Indian Philosophy v2.c24.s19.43

v2.c24.s19.43

¹ An interesting question about the nature of darkness (tamas) is raised by Śrīdhara (Nyāyakandalī, p. 9; V.S., v. 2. 19-20). Kumārila regards it as a distinct substance with the quality of colour, i.e. blackness, and the action of motion (S.V., p. xliii). The Prābhākaras hold that darkness is the absence of light (Jhā: P.M., p. 93). Annam Bhaṭṭa is of this view (Tarkasaṃgraha, p 3). Darkness is not ranked as a substance by the Vaiśeṣika, since it is destitute of qualities. It is said to possess the black colour figuratively, even as the colourless sky is spoken of as blue. It is a variety of non-existence, being merely the negation of light (V.S., v. 2. 19; S.D.S., x).