Significance of Dravya

Dravya, in various Indian philosophical contexts, refers to substances or materials with inherent properties. In Jainism and Vaisheshika philosophy, it signifies tangible substances, including physical properties. Ayurveda expands upon this by emphasizing Dravya as medicinal substances crucial for treatments, where their qualities (gunas) and actions (karma) play essential roles. Ayurveda categorizes Dravyas as both Aushada (herbal) and Aahara (food), understanding their effects on health and their importance in therapeutic practices. Overall, Dravya is central to the classification and application of treatment within Ayurveda.1
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Synonyms: Substance, Material, Matter, Element, Entity, Thing, Reality

In Dutch: Dravya; In Finnish: Dravya; In Spanish: Dravya; In Swedish: Dravya; In Malay: Dravya; In German: Dravja (Deutsch)

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Dravya'

Hinduism Books

Dravya in Hinduism refers to 'substance', highlighting its consistency over forms, its role in grammar and poetry, and in philosophies like Ayurveda and Vaisheshika, indicating foundational material and inherent qualities in entities.

Significance in Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar):
Vyakarana Books

From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari

(1) Dravya is a term used to denote a thing that is viewed as a substance or the foundational material of which something is composed.[1] (2) A concept that translates to 'substance', contrasting with jati and emphasizing a focus on concrete entities in the classification of gender.[2] (3) A term referring to substance, emphasizing its consistent nature contrasted with changing forms.[3]

Vyakarana refers to Sanskrit grammar and represents one of the six additional sciences (vedanga) to be studied along with the Vedas. Vyakarana concerns itself with the rules of Sanskrit grammar and linguistic analysis in order to establish the correct context of words and sentences.

Significance in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

From: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 6: Uttara-tantra

(1) This term signifies elementary substances in Ayurveda, which are part of the overall treatment understanding and methodology.[4]

Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

Jain concept of 'Dravya'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, Dravya signifies substances with intrinsic properties, encompassing both physical elements and materials, reflecting the fundamental characteristics that define their existence and interaction within the universe.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)

(1) Substances which have inherent properties or characteristics.[5]

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) Substance or material; can refer to physical properties or elements.[6]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

Plural form: Dravyas.