Significance of Material cause
Material cause is a fundamental concept across various Indian philosophical traditions, representing the substance or principle responsible for the existence of entities. In Hinduism, it forms the basis for understanding causation in contexts like Sankhya, Vedanta, and Yoga, highlighting the relationship between material elements and their effects. Jainism, Tibetan Buddhism, and other schools emphasize the various states arising from material causes, illustrating its significance in creation, transformation, and existence across forms and philosophies, emphasizing the intricate relationship between matter and existence.
Synonyms: Physical cause, Inherent cause
In Dutch: Materiële oorzaak; In Finnish: Aineellinen syy; In Spanish: Causa material; In Portugese: Causa material; In German: Wesentliche Ursache; In Swedish: Materiell orsak; In Malay: Sebab material; In French: Cause matérielle; In Finnish: Materiaalinen syy; In Italian: Causa materiale; In Polish: Przyczyna materialna
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Material cause'
In Buddhism, Material cause denotes the essential elements and conditions that contribute to the existence of objects, emphasizing the physical factors and underlying reasons for their formation, often influenced by a creator's knowledge and intention.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) A Material Cause is that in which a product subsists. Destruction cannot subsist in a Material Cause because it lacks the character of Substance and form.[1] (2) It is the fundamental origin from which something arises, particularly emphasized in relation to the initial instance of awareness and its connection to subsequent states.[2] (3) The fundamental element from which something is made, like the clay used by a potter to create a jar, which is a crucial aspect known by the creator.[3] (4) The underlying physical factor that produces things, particularly in the context of corporeal objects being formed where the cause is located.[4] (5) Refers to the underlying reason or source that explains the existence of the Tree and other things as posited by the theist.[5]
Hindu concept of 'Material cause'
In Hinduism, Material cause represents the fundamental source of existence, primarily identified as Prakriti or Brahman, which gives rise to all material entities and experiences, influencing their nature and manifestations within the universe.
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) A material cause is the fundamental substance from which an object is made, and the text explains that objects always exist within this material.[6] (2) The origin or source from which an effect or modification arises. It is described as non-different from its effect, meaning the effect does not exist as something different.[7] (3) The concept that Brahman is the underlying cause of the universe, indicating that all effects arising from it are fundamentally the same as Brahman.[8] (4) The underlying elements and components that give rise to the physical form of the body in this life, derived from the previous existence.[9] (5) The reason or origin from which something comes into existence, in this context referring specifically to food's role in the creation and sustenance of the annamaya and other bodies.[10]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The primary concern in refuting the Sankhyan objection based on reasoning in Sutras 2. 1. 4-11 is establishing Brahman as the material cause, thereby directly opposing the Sankhyan dualism which posits an independent principle called the Pradhana.[11] (2) It is identified as the same as the efficient cause, and this refutes doctrines that speak of two separate origins.[12] (3) The underlying substance or basis from which something originates; in this context, it refers to Prana being seen as the foundational element of the mind.[13] (4) The fundamental basis or source of creation from which the effect is derived; in this context, it refers to Brahman.[14] (5) The idea that proposes God should be recognized as not just the efficient cause, but also the underlying substance or essence of the universe.[15]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) This refers to Prajna, as the Vedanta posits it, that is the cause of the universe.[16] (2) Refers to the physical substance from which something is made, such as clay, as part of the discussion on the transformation of causes to effects.[17]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) The text says that the Pradhana may be supposed to be the Ruler of its emanations, being the material cause.[18] (2) The underlying source or reason for the existence of the universe, with Maya being identified as the material cause of all elements of matter and material objects.[19] (3) The substance or agent that brings about change or produces an effect, as discussed in the context of the Sankhya versus Vedanta debate.[20] (4) The concept that the attributeless Brahman serves as the source or material cause of the universe.[21] (5) Refers to the original substance from which something arises, indicating the relationship between Brahman and the created forms like clay and pots.[22]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The text says that the Pashupata and the Shaiva systems rest on an assumption contrary to the Veda, viz. of the difference of this.[23] (2) The substance or elements from which something is made, always requiring a knowledgeable agent for production.[24] (3) The philosophical claim that Brahman serves as the actual substance from which the world is made, viewed as incorrect per the text.[25] (4) The essential substance or source from which something arises, in this context referring to Brahman as the origin of all beings.[26] (5) The inherent potentialities and prior qualities of the beings that are created, which ultimately dictate their new forms and statuses.[27]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) Material causes, such as clay, are part of the nature of the primal cause, but not the only thing to consider when determining the nature of the world.[28] (2) Material cause is what the entire complex of things has, and it is the focus of discussion when determining the origins of the world.[29] (3) This term refers to the substance from which something is created, with Brahman being the example of the material cause of the world, but the word is not.[30] (4) This is the substance from which something is made, such as the atoms or the pradhana, which are proposed as the causes of the world.[31] (5) This is the source from which effects originate; in the text, the non-difference of the material cause and its effects is a key point of the argument.[32]
From: Prashna Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The underlying principle explaining the essence of matter and life in the universe, described as two-fold; subtle and dense.[33]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The concept that the same Being is referred to as both the material cause of the universe and identified via qualities such as Knowledge and Bliss.[34]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The underlying basis of embodied existence, which is referred to as 'this seed' in the context of spiritual inquiry.[35]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) In philosophy, the fundamental substance or underlying element from which all products arise; here, represented by clay or gold.[36]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) This describes one that confines Jiva within material causes, signifying limitation and confinement within physical elements.[37] (2) The physical basis that exists in all beings, yet they manifest and perish in different ways.[38] (3) The physical item that contributes to an action, such as an axe in the act of cutting.[39]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) This is the substance or reason for the formation of solid bodies, which is questioned because of the lack of a material origin.[40] (2) The originating factor from which the material world is produced; without it, there can be no existence.[41] (3) The underlying reason for the existence of material objects, asserting that without a prior cause, the sensible mind and objects cannot exist.[42] (4) The substance or reality from which something is made, as linked to the essence of Brahma in creation.[43] (5) The original element or reason that results in the manifestation of the world and its creations.[44]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) This phrase signifies the Devi's role as the origin of the universe, which is made of twenty-three elements, appearing as a mirage.[45]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) The fundamental substance or principle that underlies all embodied selves.[46]
From: Sanatsujatiya (English translation)
(1) The foundational source from which all physical entities originate, highlighting the relationship between existence and non-existence.[47]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) The fundamental constituents, like atoms and their combinations, that form the direct or indirect basis of bodies and sense-organs.[48] (2) The mind itself is considered this type of cause in the process of 'outgoing,' working in conjunction with other causal factors.[49] (3) Material cause is described as contributing to the properties of the triad, as its length is produced, just like its largeness, by means of the plurality, the largeness and homogeneous conglomeration, of its material cause.[50] (4) This is in contact with immaterial causes and is related to the event of something with the cause, highlighting the different types of causes. This is important in understanding the relationship between cause and effect.[51] (5) The text discusses the material cause in the context of negation, stating that there is no material cause for this, and as a result, there is no non-material cause either.[52]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The Supreme Lord is described as the material cause of the primordial matter, the other elements, and all that exists, safeguarding them inside during the period of deluge.[53] (2) The fundamental reason or source that brings material existence into being.[54] (3) One of the triple causes of creation, referring to the substance from which things are made.[55] (4) One of the roles of the Supreme Lord, indicating He is the source and sustainer of all existence.[56] (5) Refers to the idea that the Lord is the origin and source of the universe, creating all things yet remaining unaffected by their transformations.[57]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) This, along with the creating Will of the Divinity by reference to this mundane world, is incorporated and reconciled in Maha-Vishnu.[58] (2) The physical elements or forces that bring an entity or occurrence into existence.[59]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Pradhana as the ingredient or causal element of material energy.[60] (2) Refers to the substance or elements contributing to the creation of something.[61]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) The substance or materials used to create something, exemplified as the earth in making an earthen pot.[62]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) In the context of reflections, it refers to the original object that provides substance for the reflection, as opposed to the reflection being merely a property of the medium.[63] (2) The primary substance or element that serves as the basis for creating something, as illustrated by gold being the material cause of earrings.[64] (3) The universal exists in the material cause of an object, regardless of whether it is eternal or otherwise.[65] (4) The substance, such as fuel in a lamp, that provides the basis for its outputs, like light or sound.[66] (5) The substance or matter from which a product is made, in contrast to the product itself.[67]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) Physical elements that alone are not sufficient to induce changes in life-states.[68] (2) The physical basis or reason for the existence of something, which in this context relates to subtlety only existing in the noumenal.[69]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) The fundamental substances or elements that constitute the physical body or material objects.[70]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The notion that the Veda is not the physical substance from which sound and other experiences are created.[71] (2) Considers the essence or substance from which the world is formed, questioning whether it is dependent on something material or an abstract idea.[72]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) This refers to the substance from which an effect is produced, and the theory of Sat Karya Vada posits that the material effect is identical to the material cause, which is a key concept in understanding the relationship between cause and effect.[73]
From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha
(1) The substance or principle that gives rise to the existence of another entity, forming a conceptual basis for understanding causation in Sankhya philosophy.[74]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) Material cause is Upadana, and the effect or phenomenon and its ground belong to the same level or plane of existence in Real change.[75]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) Man knows always that the three gunas (qualities) exist in Prakriti (the, ), and it is Prakriti that always creates in him various kinds of sleep (forgetfulness), and this is the nature of association.[76]
Jain concept of 'Material cause'
In Jainism, Material cause signifies the substances or elements that influence experiences of pleasure, suffering, life, and death, illustrating their role in the cyclical nature of existence and the transformative processes within it.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Substances or elements contributing to the realization of various states such as pleasure, suffering, living, and death.[77]
The concept of Material cause in local and regional sources
Material cause refers to the concept that God is the substance from which the universe emerges, acting as both the efficient and instrumental cause, with everything that exists ultimately being an expression of the divine essence.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) God is this of the universe, but not really, only apparently, according to the Advaitists proper.[78] (2) This is one of the causes, which, in the context of shaping a pot, is the clay used by the potter, as part of the process.[79] (3) This is the cause become effect, which is the cause reproduced, as seen in the universe which is an effect of God.[80] (4) The text describes God as not only the instrumental cause but also the material cause of the universe, implying that everything which exists is God.[81]
From: Sanskrit Words In Southeast Asian Languages
(1) This is a term that describes the supreme being's role in creating the universe, in addition to being the efficient cause, according to the Vedantins.[82]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The substance or matter that undergoes change or is affected in an event.[83] (2) The concept of Prakriti as the source or essence from which the world emerges.[84]
The concept of Material cause in scientific sources
Material cause, as defined by regional sources, is the underlying substance or matter from which something originates and continues to exist. It emphasizes the enduring, foundational element of an object's being.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) Theodore counters the charge of idolatry by refusing to identify likeness with the material cause, asserting that in venerating the icon, one does not venerate the wood and paint, but rather Christ expressed in likeness.[85] (2) Material causes are that out of which a thing comes to be and which persists.[86]
From: Religious Inquiries (Journal)
(1) The provided text explains that God is not only the material cause of the universe, but He creates everything, and the Sikhs believe the universe is not illusory.[87]