Dravya
From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia
By Swami Harshananda
Dravya literally means ‘substance’.
Synonyms[edit]
The word ‘dravya’ has been used widely in several senses, including the technical ones in some systems of philosophy. The general senses are:
- Wealth
- An object or substance
- An auspicious one
- An ointment
- A intoxicating liquid
- Medicine
- Bronze
According to Nyāya System[edit]
In the Nyāya system of Gautama, ‘dravya’ is one of the seven padārthas or fundamental substances in the universe. This ‘dravya’ is of nine types:
- Five bhutas - elements
- Kāla - time
- Dik - quarters or directions
- Ātman - individual Soul
- Manas - mind
According to Dvaita Vedānta System[edit]
Dvaita Vedānta system comprises dravya of 20 items such as:
- Paramātman - God
- Lakṣmī - the Divine consort of God
- Jīvātman - the individual soul
- Prakṛti - Nature
- Three guṇas like sattva, tamas and rajas
- Buddhi - intellect
- Indriya - senses
- Avidyā - ignorance
According to Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta System[edit]
This system recognizes only six items under dravya. They are:
- Prakṛti - nature
- Kāla - time
- Śuddha or pure sattva
- Dharma- bhuta-jñāna - knowledge as an attribute of the jīva
- Jīva - individual soul
- Īśvara - god
According to Ayurveda[edit]
In the Ayurveda (health science) seven dravyas are mentioned which comprise of the physical body. They are enlisted as:
- Vāta - wind
- Pitta - bile
- Śleṣma - phlegm
- Tvak - skin
- Māmsa - flesh
In Sacrifices[edit]
The substances used in homas or sacrifices are also called as ‘dravya’ or ‘homadravya’. They are:
- Fuel-sticks of aśvattha (Ficus religiosa)
- Sesamum seeds
- Pudding of milk
- Ghee
- Sweetmeats
- Coconuts
- Jaggery
- Honey
- Certain fruits
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore