Abstract

PHILOSOPHICAL TENETS OF VAISHESHIKA AND THE FUNDAMENTALS OF AYURVEDA

Dr. Vaibhav Dadu

Abstract

The Indian Philosophy and the science of life, Ayurveda owe their existence to the Vedas, the most ancient source of knowledge. From the common origin they treaded their own paths in tandem with their respective goals. The goal of Indian Philosophy is the emancipation i.e. an all time cessation of pain whiles the Ayurveda aims to maintain the health which is requisite for the achievement of the ultimate liberation. Amongst the theistic schools of Indian Philosophy, the Vaisheshika school of Kanada is known for its fundamental tenets which not only shape the philosophical thinking but contribute a lot in the development of knowledge ranging from the modern day basic sciences of Physics & Chemistry to the Padartha (six categories) of Ayurveda that has transformed the concise trisootra Ayurveda to the level of widely approved contemporary science striving to march ahead. The contributions of the school of Vaisheshika in the development of the Ayurveda treasure of knowledge are manifold which needs to be reviewed in a scientific light. This paper therefore aims at the elucidation of the tenets of the Vaisheshika School like the theory of Paramanuvada (compared with the modern atomic theory), Peelupaka (Chemical change) et al and their application in the development of the fundamentals of Ayurveda.

Keywords: Philosophy, Vaisheshika, Padartha, Paramanuvada, Peelupaka.