Dravya

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In the Nyaya Darsana, one of the six orthodox schools of Indian philosophy, the concept of “padartha” refers to the categories of existence that are considered real or substantive. These categories help us understand the nature of reality and the fundamental building blocks of the universe. One important sub-section of the padartha section is “dravya,” which focuses on the concept of substance. Below, we will explore the major topics within the dravya sub-section of the Nyaya Darsana.

  1. Definition of Dravya:
    • Dravya refers to the ultimate substance or entity that exists independently and can undergo changes. It is the foundational element of the universe and serves as the basis for all other categories of existence.
  2. Characteristics of Dravya:
    • Dravya is eternal, meaning that it exists permanently and does not come into or go out of existence.
    • Dravya is also pervasive, as it permeates all aspects of the universe and is present in all objects and beings.
    • Dravya is the cause of all changes and transformations that occur in the world.
  3. Types of Dravya:
    • According to Nyaya Darsana, there are nine types of dravyas:
      1. Prithvi (earth): represents the solid and stable aspect of reality.
      2. Ap (water): signifies the liquid and flowing aspect of existence.
      3. Tej (fire): symbolizes the energy and transformative power in the universe.
      4. Vayu (air): represents the gaseous and moving aspect of reality.
      5. Akasa (space): symbolizes the void or empty space that accommodates all other substances.
      6. Kala (time): represents the cyclical nature of existence and the passage of time.
      7. Dik (direction): signifies the spatial dimensions and orientation in the universe.
      8. Atman (self): represents the individual soul or consciousness.
      9. Manas (mind): symbolizes the cognitive and emotional aspects of human experience.
  4. Relationship between Dravya and other Padarthas:
    • Dravya is considered the foundation of all other padarthas or categories of existence. It provides the substratum upon which all other entities and phenomena rest.
    • The other padarthas, such as guna (quality), karma (action), samanya (generality), and vishesha (particularity), are considered attributes or properties of dravya and are dependent on it for their existence.

In conclusion, the concept of dravya in the Nyaya Darsana is essential for understanding the nature of substance and the foundational elements of reality. By exploring the characteristics, types, and relationships of dravya, we can gain a deeper insight into the structure of the universe and the fundamental building blocks that make up our world.

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