Vaishesika Sutra

Vaisheshika refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. Vaisheshika deals with subjects such as logic, epistemology, philosophy and expounds concepts similar to Buddhism in nature. Vaiśeṣika Sūtra or Kanada sutra is the standard text of Vaisheshika school of philosophy. The sutra was authored by Kanada, who is thought to have flourished before the advent of Buddhism. Number of scholars have commented on it since the beginning of Christian era, the earliest commentary being Svartha Dharma Sangraha of Prashastapada.The Vaiseshika sutra proclaims the futility of life in the temporary world (maya) and proposes that an understanding of god can free an individual from Karma, following which liberation will ensue. Major ideas contained in the Vaisheshika Sutra are: 1. There are nine classes of realities: four classes of atoms (earth, water, light and air), space (akasha), time (kāla), direction (dik), infinity of souls (Atman), mind (manas). 2. Individual souls are eternal and pervade material body for a time. 3. There are seven categories (padārtha) of experience — substance, quality, activity, generality, particularity, inherence and non-existence.