Vaisesik Sutra

Vaisheshik Sutra is the main book of Vaisheshika philosophy composed by Kanad Muni. In the Vaisesikasutra, Kanada has given instructions on six substances namely Substance, Quality, Action, Samanya, Vishesha and Samavaya.

First Chapter

The objects of the senses are universally known.

The universal experience of the objects of the senses is the mark of (the existence of) object different from the senses and their objects.

Perception (as a mark inferring the body or the senses as 'its substratum) (is) a false mark.

(The body or the senses cannot be the seat of perception), because there is no consciousness in the causes (i.e., the component parts, of the body).

Because (there would be) consciousness in the effects.

And because it is not known (that any minute degree of consciousness exists in the water-pot, etc).

A mark is certainly something else (than that of which it is a mark). Hence (a mark, which is identical with the thing of which it is a mark, is) no mark (at all).

(Although a mark is quite different from that of which it is a mark, still they are not wholly unconnected), for, any one thing cannot be a mark of any other thing.

The conjunct, the combined, the con-combined, and the contradictory also (are marks of inference).

One effect (may be the mark of inference) of another effect.

The opposite, i.e., the non-existent (is a mark) of the existent.

That which has taken place — (is a mark) of that which has not taken place.

That which has taken place, (is a mark) of that which has taken place.

(These are valid marks), because the characteristic of an inferential mark is that it is preceded by (the recollection of the) universal relation (of itself and of that of which it is a mark).

The unproved is a false mark; the non-existent and the dubious also are false marks.

Because (it) has horns, therefore (it is) a horse.

And, “Because (it) has horns, therefore (it is) a cow,” such is the example of a many-sided (mark).

That (i.e., knowledge) which is produced from the contact of the soul, the sense, and the object, is other (than a false mark).

Activity and inactivity, observed in one’s own soul, are the marks of (the existence of) other souls.

Krishjan
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