Matter and Mind: The Vaisheshika Sutra of Kanada

The Vaisesika Sutras are one of the six major dharsanas, or schools, of Indian thought. Surprisingly few books, however, have commented or explained these sutras in an exhaustive manner. Until now. This new book by Subhash Kak is a welcomed addition to Indian scholarship and explains the Vaisesika dharsana in a careful, systematic and enlightening manner. Kak’s commentary is especially important given that the Vaisesika is frequently overlooked in favor of other dharsanas such as Vedanta or Samkhya. Kak’s presentation of the Vaisesika is both exhaustive and enlightening.Kak’s exposition contains an introduction of the Vaisesika dharsana. This summary precedes a translation of the Vaisesika Sutras, with Kak’s commentary on selected sutras. Two essays conclude the commentary.As the title indicates, this book deals with the nature of dharma, physical reality. Most explanations describe the Vaisesika as consisting in the atomistic theory of reality, and stops there. According to Kak, the main components of reality in the Vaisesika dharsana is matter and mind. In the Vaisesika dharsana the prominence of mind is made explicit. While this is a general feature of most dharsanas, in the Vaisesika dharsana goes further to refine this distinction. Indeed, in the nature of things, mind, the Atman, takes precedence to and is the progenitor of the inner substance underlying physical matter.The sutras as explaining that physical reality is the result of a conjunction of mind (purusa) and matter (prakrti). Not content with this statement the Vaisesika goes into some length at how matter evolves afterwards from that conjunction, Kak’s commentary on the sutras adds to the substance of Vaisesika by giving a perspective through modern physics. For example, the Vaisesika predates modern quantum theory and relativistic theory by postulating that reality is to be viewed from the perspective of the observer.This book is both highly recommended because it explores areas not usually followed and presents ancient concepts in a modern light.

Very good book.

I love it.

As the title indicates, this book deals with the nature of dharma, physical reality. Kak’s crystal clear commentary on the sutras adds to the substance of Vaisesika by giving a perspective through modern physics.

Vsisesika Sutra represent one of six Darshana of Hinduism. Not much literature is available on this Darshana.Subhash Kak has presented Vsisesika Darshana in a very lucid form. It's amazing to read that our Rishis of yore had so analytically examined all the facets of Being and wrote such Sutras full of wisdom. What is remarkable about Vsisesika Sutras is that it expounded the principles of Physics and Chemistry much before Western thinkers wrote about these. The author has brought out these aspects and has expained very analytically.It's a must read for all those, who wish to learn about the great heritage of Indian Civilization.

Excellent ancient book. Wonderful translation.

Before any research in physics or math we need some philosophical concept on that topic. This book will guide a lot to those people.

Ein gutes buch. Es stellt deutlich dar, wie stark the indischen Wissenschaftlichen entwickelt waren.Leider konnten die Entdeckungen nicht in Technologie realisiert werden.

I have just started reading this book and I love it.....it’s written in a very easy to understand language and gives interesting insights on the subject.....