6.2. The concept of Apavarga (cessation)

[Full title: (A) Philosophical aspects; (VI) Concept of bondage and liberation (2): Apavarga (cessation)].

APAVARGA—Like the Bhagavadgita (V.4), Devala points out that the ultimate aim of both, paths, namely the Sankhya & Yoga, is the same i.e. the attainment of emancipation. The term apavarga is used here by Devala. It is very much current in the Nyaya-vaises ika systems. It also occurs in the Sankhya & Yoga systems, but the another term Kaivalya is more prevalent in these two systems. to . The explanation of the term apavarga in the text of Devala (2209) is also similar to that found in the Nyaya-vaisesika systems. According, Devala, apavarga, is the absolute negation or nonexistence of birth, death, & consequent sufferings. According to the Nyayasutra (1.1.22) as explained by Vatsyayana, apavarga is the complete cessation of birth & consequent sufferings. (cf.also other Nyayasutras mentioned above). The doual form 'Janmamaranaduhkhayoh' suggests that only two words are intended & not all the three independent words. Hence the compound can be interpreted as Janma ca maranam ca pain of birth & death. Q janmamarane tayoh duhkham'of The term 'atyantabhava', used by Devala in sutra (2209) also displays the influence of Nyayavaisesika philosophy in which it is a technical term, representing one kind of abhava.