Significance of Samanya and vishesha
In Jainism, Samanya and vishesha describe the concepts of general qualities (samanya) that are permanent, and specific qualities (vishesha) that are impermanent, aiding in the analysis of substances. This distinction is echoed across various philosophical traditions, including Purana, Vyakarana, and Vaisheshika, where Samanya signifies universality while vishesha denotes individuality. In Ayurveda, these concepts help differentiate general characteristics from specific traits, facilitating effective diagnoses and treatments in health practices. Overall, Samanya and vishesha play a crucial role in understanding both the general and unique attributes of entities.
Synonyms: General and specific, Common
In Dutch: Samanya en vishesha; In Finnish: Samanya ja Vishesha; In Spanish: Samanya y vishesha; In German: Samanya und Vishesha
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Samanya and vishesha'
In Hinduism, Samanya signifies the universal, general characteristics of entities, while Vishesha highlights their specific, unique traits, emphasizing the interplay between generality and individuality within various categories and contexts.
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) 'Samanya' refers to commonality among individuals, while 'Vishesha' differentiates unique characteristics; communities are primarily classified as 'Samanya'.[1] (2) Terms defining generality and individuality, highlighting the distinctions and relations within categories.[2] (3) Samanya represents generality or commonality, while Vishesha refers to specific properties distinguishing individual objects.[3]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) Samanya refers to the universal category, while vishesha denotes particular instances or forms within that category.[4] (2) The distinction between the universal or general (samanya) and the particular or specific (vishesha) aspects of entities.[5]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Terms referring to the ordinary (Samanya) and special (vishesha) types of rules or methods in various rituals and practices.[6]
Jain concept of 'Samanya and vishesha'
In Jainism, Samanya denotes permanent general qualities, whereas vishesha represents impermanent specific qualities. Together, these concepts are essential for analyzing the nature of substances, emphasizing their distinct and transient characteristics.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) The concepts of general (samanya) qualities, which are permanent, and specific (vishesha) qualities, which are impermanent, used to analyze substances.[7]