The Nyaya Darsana is one of the six orthodox schools of Indian philosophy, focusing on logic and epistemology. Within Nyaya, the concept of Padartha plays a crucial role. Padartha refers to the categories of existence or ontological categories that Nyaya philosophy identifies as the building blocks of the universe.
- Substance (Dravya): The first category of Padartha in Nyaya is substance. Substance refers to the underlying entity that exists independently. According to Nyaya, there are nine types of substances, including earth, water, fire, air, ether, time, space, soul, and mind. These substances are considered to be eternal and unchanging.
- Quality (Guna): The second category of Padartha in Nyaya is quality. Quality refers to the characteristics or properties that define a substance. Nyaya recognizes twenty-four qualities, such as color, taste, odor, and touch, that can be perceived through the senses.
- Action (Karma): The third category of Padartha in Nyaya is action. Action refers to the dynamic aspect of substances, involving motion, change, and transformation. Nyaya distinguishes between different types of actions, such as creation, destruction, growth, and decay.
- Universal (Samanya): The fourth category of Padartha in Nyaya is universal. Universals are general concepts or categories that apply to multiple individual entities. Nyaya recognizes universal concepts such as humanity, animality, and generality as distinct categories of existence.
- Particular (Vishesha): The fifth category of Padartha in Nyaya is particular. Particulars refer to individual entities that possess specific characteristics and qualities. Nyaya distinguishes between universals and particulars, emphasizing the importance of both in understanding reality.
- Inherence (Samavaya): The sixth category of Padartha in Nyaya is inherence. Inherence refers to the relationship between a substance and its qualities. Nyaya posits that qualities inhere in substances, forming a inseparable connection between the two.
- Negation (Abhava): The seventh category of Padartha in Nyaya is negation. Negation refers to the absence or non-existence of a particular quality or entity. Nyaya recognizes negation as a valid category of existence, alongside affirmation.
- Inference (Anumana): The eighth category of Padartha in Nyaya is inference. Inference refers to the process of reasoning based on evidence and logical principles. Nyaya emphasizes the importance of inference as a valid means of knowledge.
- Testimony (Sabda): The ninth category of Padartha in Nyaya is testimony. Testimony refers to the knowledge acquired through the words of reliable sources, such as scriptures, teachers, or experts. Nyaya acknowledges testimony as a valid source of knowledge.
In conclusion, the concept of Padartha in Nyaya Darsana provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the categories of existence and the nature of reality. By analyzing the nine categories of Padartha, Nyaya philosophy seeks to uncover the fundamental principles that govern the universe and human knowledge.