The Interplay between ‘Abhyudaya’ and ‘Niḥśreyasa’ in Vaiśeṣika System

Abstract

In the second half of the first millennium AD, Vaiśeṣika system undergoes a process of synthesis, articulated by the development of the doctrine of dharma under which umbrella, two contrasting views on ‘salvation’ abhyudaya (possibly Vedic) and niḥśreyasa (Upaniṣadic) come to be explained as implying each other. The doctrine of salvation in Vaiśeṣika is a static state, devoid of change, and is indeed defined with niḥśreyasa (mokṣa), but because it is determined by a particular dharma as Candrānanda says [Vaiśeṣikasūtras with Candrānanda’s Vṛtti (VSc) 6.2.11; VSc 1.1.2], it comes to be seen as not exclusively removed from the necessity of action, be it ethical or karmic, which are so much the domain of abhyudaya (VSc 1.1.2; 1.1.6). It seems that the system’s soteriology expands as to include not only the renouncer’s acts, but also worldly ones, hence abhyudaya becomes preliminary to niḥśreyasa.