Vada in Theory and Practice: Studies in Debates, Dialogues and Discussions in Indian Intellectual Discourses c8.s5.34

c8.s5.34

On the concept of *paramāṇus* (atoms), the Vaiśeṣika is cornered by orthodox schools as well the Buddhist schools. The Vaiśeṣikas propound that the *paramāṇus* function as the basic building blocks for creating this world and their coalesceance creates larger and larger forms. Āryadeva and Śāntarakṣita argue that the no *yoga* (integration) between *paramāṇus* can create the universe. The *yoga* of *paramāṇus* can be of two types — complete and partial. If there is complete integration (*sarvātmanā yoga*) between two *paramāṇus*, it would not lead to any increase in the volume or quality nor would it create a larger form. If it is a partial integration, it would be multifarious, and hence will be impermanent.