inferred from perceptible objects. And the eternal nonexistences are the objects of the second sort of inference. Section 11.-Conclusion (p. 119) Pr. Bh. states that the common properties of the six categories are astitva, abhidheyatva, and jñeyatva (p. 16). Knowable" represents jñeyatva, while astitva and abhidheyatva are included in "causes of their recognitions". The categories which only relate to the first three categories are existence (= universality), potentiality, non-potentiality, commonness, and non-existence. The category inherence is in relation to the other eight, except non-existence, and particularity only to substances. The categories attribute and action are in relation to the other nine, while the category substance relates to the ten, including substances. Substance is known to be the principal, and the other nine categories are the means to the explanation of substances. Consequently, the nine categories, however independent and real, could hardly have a meaning, if they were considered apart from substances. The consequence may lead to the conclusion that the Vaiseṣika system intends principally to explain things and phenomena in nature as they are. The whole system was a kind of natural philosophy in ancient India. |