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382
VEDÂNTA-SÛTRAS.
as the great and the long originate from the short and the atomic.
The system of the Vaiseshikas is the following :--The atoms which possess, according to their special kind ', the qualities of colour, &c., and which are of spherical form, subsist during a certain period without producing any effects *. After that, the unseen principle (adrishta), &c. , acting as operative causes and conjunction constituting the non-inherent cause 6, they produce the entire aggregate of effected things, beginning with binary atomic compounds. At the same time the qualities of the causes (i. e. of the simple atoms) produce corresponding qualities in the effects. Thus, when two atoms produce a binary atomic compound, the special qualities belonging to the simple atoms, such as white colour, &c., produce a corresponding white colour in the binary compound. One special quality, however, of the simple atoms, viz. atonic sphericity, does not produce corresponding sphericity in the binary compound; for the forms of extension belonging to the latter are said to be minuteness (anutva) and shortness. And, again, when two binary compounds combining produce a quaternary atomic compound, the qualities, such as whiteness, &c., inherent in the binary compounds produce corresponding qualities in the quaternary compounds; with the exception, however, of the two qualities of minuteness and shortness. For it is
1 I.e. according as they are atoms of earth, water, fire, or air.
Parimandala, spherical is the technical term for the specific form of extension of the atoms, and, secondarily, for the atoms themselves. The latter must apparently be imagined as infinitely small spheres. Cp. Vais. Sût. VII, 1, 20.
& Viz. during the period of each pralaya. At that time all the atoms are isolated and motionless. • When the time for a new creation has come.
The &c. implies the activity of the Lord. • The inherent (material) cause of an atomic compound are the constituent atoms, the non-inherent cause the conjunction of those atoms, the operative causes the adrishta and the Lord's activity which make them enter into conjunction.
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