The Positive Sciences of the Ancient Hindus c5.s3.t2.4

c5.s3.t2.4

But in the case of the flying arrow or other projectile, the impulsive force which produces Vega counteracts the force of gravity; in the end, this Vega is lost through friction with air, and then gravity (गुरुत्व) brings the arrow to the ground. The meaning of this "counteraction" is not clear. Is it intended that the action of gravity is suspended as long as the Vega continues? We have seen that, in the case of a body let fall, Praśastapâda expressly states that gravity (गुरुत्व) and *sanskâra* (Vega, momentum) both act in the second and following instants. Praśastapâda seems to have thought that some *sanskâras* (*e.g.* the Vega of an arrow or other projectile) suspend the action of gravity (गुरुत्वं संयोगप्रयत्नसंस्कारविरोधि, Praśastapâda, गुणग्रन्थ। वेगेन प्रतिबन्धात् अपतनं बहिःक्षिप्तस्य शरशलाकादेः निवृत्ते नोदने कर्माणि उत्तरोत्तराणि इषुसंस्कारादेवापतनादिति Praśastapâda, कर्मग्रन्थ). Other *sanskâras* (*e.g.* in the case of a falling body) coalesce with gravity to produce a single resultant motion. The later commentators (from Śrîdhara downwards) certainly interpret the Vaiśeṣika Sûtras in this sense.