Samanya, Vishesha, Samavaaya

Here we explore the three important concepts in Vaiśeṣika philosophy: sāmānya (universal), viśēṣa (particularity), and samavāya (inherence).

Sāmānya (Universal)

Sāmānya refers to the universal essence or characteristic that allows us to classify objects into categories. For instance, we can identify a curtain as a curtain because it possesses the sāmānya of "curtain-ness." This universal exists in the categories of dravya (substance), guna (quality), and karma (action).

Sāmānya is eternal and unchanging, allowing us to recognize objects despite their individual differences. For example, we can distinguish between different curtains due to the concept of viśēṣa.

Viśēṣa (Particularity)

Viśēṣa refers to the unique characteristics that differentiate individual objects within a category. In Vaiśeṣika, each atom (paramāṇu) possesses a distinct viśēṣa, making it different from all other atoms. This particularity extends to composite entities, explaining why one curtain is different from another.

Viśēṣa is not considered a quality (guna) but a separate category altogether. It is infinite, reflecting the infinite number of paramāṇus.

Samavāya (Inherence)

Samavāya is the ontological glue that binds all the categories together. It is a permanent relationship that exists between specific types of entities, such as:

• Cause and effect
• Part and whole
• Quality and substance
• Action and substance
• Universal and particular
• Paramāṇu and viśēṣa

Samavāya is not a mere contact but a deeper, inseparable connection. It can only be broken by the destruction of the entities involved.

Conclusion

Sāmānya, viśēṣa, and samavāya are fundamental concepts in Vaiśeṣika philosophy, providing a framework for understanding the nature of reality and the relationships between different categories of existence. They offer a nuanced perspective on how we perceive and categorize the world around us.