Significance of Non-material cause
The concept of Non-material cause in Vaisheshika refers to factors that enable changes or creations without being made of physical substances. This includes the conjunction of atoms and actions that produce effects without being instrumental causes like qualities. Non-material causes are essential in defining the existence of qualities related to substances, emphasizing that not all causes need to be physical or material in nature to influence outcomes.
Synonyms: Immaterial cause, Spiritual cause.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Non-material cause'
In Hinduism, Non-material cause signifies influences beyond the physical realm that shape qualities and effects, facilitating change without embodying physical substance, such as the interplay of atoms in creating reality.
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) An influence that does not originate from physical properties but rather from the contact between the soul and another entity, leading to an action.[1] (2) The abstract elements that contribute to the manifestation of a quality, such as the contact or relationships between objects.[2] (3) A type of cause that does not have a physical entity, but still contributes to effects.[3] (4) The underlying essence or principle, such as the contact between air and Akasha, that contributes to sound production.[4] (5) Causes such as Colour, Taste, Smell, non-hot Touch, Number, Dimension, Single Separateness, Viscidity, and Sound that do not have a material form but are involved in producing effects.[5]