Vaisheshik Darshan was written over two and a half thousand years ago (it is likely older than that). It is one of the earliest texts that delve into the nature of the physical world - thereby one of the oldest texts that can share the shelf space with other books on Physics. It likely predates Greek and other Eastern philosophies that developed between the 4th and 2nd century BCE.
What is all around us? Let's classify each and every existing entity!
One of the astounding aspects of Vaisheshika is that it's a combination of Ontology, Psychology, Ethics, Spiritualism, and Physics. Rishi Kanada embarked on a journey that sought an answer to the 'question of being' and he observed everything around him with the keenest eye.
The roots of the question 'of being' requires understanding everything around us through means of knowledge available to us normally; pratyaksha pramana (i.e. through our material senses) or when that's not possible then via anumana pramana (inference).
And the journey to the 'question of being' begins by understanding 'what is out there?' Rishi Kanada then begins the enormous journey to classify all entities under six fundamental blocks of knowledge or categories (padarthas). I've discussed these in detail here.
The traces of Physics in Vaisheshika
The world of Physics started to change around the 18th century when the likes of Roger Boscovich, John Dalton, and others described the mathematical and chemical nature of atoms. And it continued in the 20th century with the likes of Albert Einstein, and Ernest Rutherford, and continues until today with Leonard Susskind, Stephen Hawking, Brian Greene, and others at the forefront of the journey of modern quantum physics.
But the journey of Physics is an ancient one, with curious travelers that observed the physical world and wondered about the nature of reality; and some also pondered on the goal of sentient intelligent beings seemingly "blessed" with the ability to act (cause) & change (effect). It is a journey that roots in philosophy and branches into spiritualism, physics, mathematics, and chemical sciences.
Some may disagree on the inclusion of spiritualism, but as boundaries of mind and matter intermingle perhaps current and future scientists and physicists will be more 'open-minded'. A future sprinkled with the past is wholesome and grounded; and worth preserving as we strive for the elevation of the human mind and intellect.
The curious mind of Kanada
Not much is known about Kanada, other than he existed between the 6th and 2nd century BCE perhaps somewhere in the ancient part of India which is now Gujarat. He wrote Kanada Sutras or what can be loosely translated as 'The Aphorisms of Kanada'. The word Sutra (सूत्र) in everyday language translates as a thread, which more appropriately describes Sutra where interlinked observations and inferences are used to go from the proverbial point 'a' to point 'b' in the path of knowledge.
Sage Kanada tried something which no other philosopher attempted. He divided the entire observable universe (including time) into six categories that need to be understood. These are six categories that encompass everything from the physical to the metaphysical world. These are dravya, guna, karma, sāmānya, viśeṣa and samavāya. (Kak, Subhash. Matter and Mind: The Vaiśeṣika Sūtra of Kaṇāda (p. 17). Mount Meru Publishing. Kindle Edition).
But why? As Professor Harimohan Jha, from Patna University, describes in his book that 'every entity in the world has its own existence; the commonalities and the difference between each of these entities help to explore the reality (note: I'll quote liberally from this book in the paragraphs to follow).
A simple example of a mud pot elucidates this point; a particular pot has its own existence and it has qualities of color, size, etc. But these qualities are available in all other pots as well, despite that there is individuality and differentiation from other pots. Similarly, as sentient beings, we share some commonalities as well as differences from our surroundings.
But why bother about these commonalities and differences? Simply said, I need to understand my true self by understanding the commonalities and differences from whatever is around me. As a sentient being, I've to begin with the external observable world around me and then slowly (and steadily) move toward the internal world.
There is a just manner to utilize the external world such that it leads to prosperity in the material world (abhyudaya - literally translates as sunrise). And I also have to recognize the internal world, where I feel my existence in every breath. And the goal of this 'I' is different from material prosperity (nishreyas - implying higher bliss).
Do not take it for granted though, however difficult the topic is: seems to echo throughout the sutras (aphorisms) of the darshan. As I read through this darshan, I was attracted to its unique characteristic of discussion based on purva-paksha (literally translated as opposing argument), which is deeply embedded in the text itself. The author philosopher and natural scientist (a sage known to history as Maharishi Kanada) let us be part of his mental journey as he goes through the thought experiment of trying to find our purpose. On the way, he gives us a glimpse of not only his point of view but validates it by providing a counter-argument in his text itself!
A long time back I recall someone describing solving a mathematical problem as poking it from different perspectives. Vaisheshik Darshan, written more than two thousand years ago, follows a similar methodology. It explores the author's arguments based on observed realities and inferences. It suggests that classifying the world that we observe will ultimately lead to greater knowledge. On the way, it categorizes reality as objects of knowledge and various substances we experience.
The amazing mind of Maharishi Kanada goes into all possible objects of knowledge in the material world. It states the earliest exploration of motion which was formulated mathematically as the contemporary Newton's Laws of Motion, Darshan states that 'संयोग' (snyoga - contact or friction in modern science terms)' leads to आभाव (aabhaav - disintegration, literally 'lack of') of 'कर्म' (karma - action/motion) - reference 2.1.23. It also classifies various motions as upward, downward, pulling, pushing, and general motion (reference 1.1.7).
Besides classifying natural phenomena it also defines 'संशय' (sanshaya - doubt) as a lack of differentiation. An observation can be riddled with problems as not all phenomena are visible and memories are equally susceptible to faults.
But why do I need to classify 'I'? It's through this realization we can begin our journey of enlightenment. Really? Yes, just look around, there are thousands (or millions) who are struggling with their identity. You just have to look at the disillusionment, depression, addiction, racism, etc. to be saddened (and appalled in some cases) about the lack of knowledge of true-self.
There are millions that are stuck at antiquated and prejudiced definitions of self merely based on the color of their skin! This is the level of lack of knowledge or understanding of 'I' can lead to. And any pursuit of truth begins with classification, to understand similarities and subtle differences.
How do define & classify 'I'? Purva-paksha is necessary as we move from the realm of the material phenomenon and into the inner workings of our existence. 'I exist' is a feeling we're constantly aware of, even in our dreams. However, it's not a mathematical theorem or an equation that can help prove this 'I'. So observation, inference, and written words of prior teachers is the tool we will have to rely upon. Yet, these tools need to be poked from various directions/perspectives before concluding.
Final Argument
Vaisheshik Darshan is a masterpiece that bares the spiritual quest into a journey of logical analysis. It brings the realm of faith into a logical pursuit. And breaks free from traditional methodology and compels us to use the analytical corners of our mind to help navigate the journey of 'know thyself.
#vaisheshik #sutra #darshan #hinduism #vedic
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