Vaisheshika
One of the six philosophical schools of Shad Darshan that specifies the important aspects of concrete reality, including the atomic theory of existence and nine causative substances.
Vaisheshika: The Atomic Theory of Existence
Vaisheshika means to specify the important aspects of concrete reality. Represented by the writings of Kanada, this philosophy holds to the atomic theory of existence, claiming the entire universe is composed of atoms. Vaisheshika believes the union and separation of atoms is guided by the will of the Supreme Being.
Vaisheshika outlines nine causative substances (nava karna dravya): Ether, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth (the five eternal atoms); the soul (atman); mind (manas); time (kala); and direction (dig). The union of atoms in twos, threes, and so on created universal elements at the time of creation, and these atoms will separate at the time of pralaya (disintegration or annihilation).
The elements in Vaisheshika are molecules composed of atoms. Each element contains predominantly its own type of atom but also contains all other atoms. For example, the element Air contains predominantly Air atoms and also contains all the other atoms. The causative substances (atoms) in Vaisheshika are irreducible, while the elements are molecules — similar to the tanmatras of Sankhya, but described at a different level of subtlety.
Source: Textbook of Ayurveda: Fundamental Principles, Chapter One: Shad Darshan (Six Philosophies of Life)
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