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The Sanskrit term ‘abhava’ means non-existence. It is one of the seven fundamental entities ([[padartha]]) as per darshana philosophy. A two-fold classification of tattvas viz. existent (sat) and non-existent (asat) is described in [[Ayurveda]]. Abhava is categorized under non-existents. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 11/17] The non-existence is also essential. This article describes the importance of non-existing entities in the process of knowledge.
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{{Infobox

|title =  Abhava

|label1 = Section/Chapter/topic
|data1 = Concepts / [[Abhava]]  

|label2 = Authors
|data2 =Bhojani M.K.<sup>1</sup>, Jain Rahul<sup>1</sup>, Tanwar Ankur kumar<sup>1</sup>

|label3 = Reviewers 
|data3 =  Mali V. <sup>2</sup>, Basisht G.<sup>3</sup>

|label4 = Editor 
|data4 = Deole Y.S.<sup>4</sup>

|label5 = Affiliations
|data5 = <sup>1</sup> Department of Kriya Sharira,  A.I.I.A. , New Delhi, India
 
<sup>2</sup> Department of Samhita Siddhanta, C.B.P.A.C.S., New Delhi, India
  
<sup>3</sup> Rheumatologist, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A.
  
<sup>4</sup> Department of Kayachikitsa, G.J.Patel Institute of Ayurvedic Studies and Research, New Vallabhvidya Nagar, Anand, Gujarat, India

|label6 = Correspondence email
|data6 = meera.samhita@aiia.gov.in, carakasamhita@gmail.com 
|label7 = Publisher 
|data7 = [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre]], I.T.R.A., Jamnagar, India
|label8 = Date of first publication:
|data8 = June 05, 2022
|label9 = DOI
|data9= 10.47468/CSNE.2022.e01.s09.100
}}

==Origin of concept==
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A description of abhava under seven [[padartha]] was first mentioned by Shivaditya in his work saptapadarthi.<ref name=Siva>Sivaditya. Saptapadarthi. Edited by Amarendra Mohan Tarkatirtha & Narendra Chandra Vedantatirtha. Calcutta. Metropolitian Priniting & Publishing House Limited; 1934.</ref> Vaisheshika darshana explained the theory of creation. In this discussion, the Vaisheshika sutra (the first authentic book of this school, written by Kanada) describes six positive categories as objects of conceptions (as six [[padartha]]s). [Vaisheshika Darshana 8]<ref name=VD>Pandit Rajaram. Vaisheshika Darshan. Lahore. Bombay machine press:1919.</ref> Nyaya and Vaisheshika philosophies don't accept the existence of abhava padartha. With time, Nyaya and Vaisheshik systems blended giving rise to Navyanyaya school of philosophy. This system added abhava as seventh [[padartha]] in the list given by Kanada. The necessity of abhava has been recognized by Akshapada Gautam, Kanada, and their commentators. In Vaisheshikasutra, it is mentioned that the non-existence of effect is due to the non-existence of cause.[Vaisheshika Darshana 32]<ref name=VD/>  It means the absence of reason will not result in any product. Non-existence (abhava) is a negative idea. It is considered the seventh category, as established by negative proofs. The concept of [[padartha]] has been explained under two categories viz. bhava padartha and abhava padartha.<ref name=SSC>S.S.Chatterjee. Nyaya theory of knowledge. Delhi. C.O Gautam Bharatiya kala prakashan.2008.</ref> All the entities (tattvas) having existence in this universe fall under one of these six categories as bhava padarthas like similarity ([[samanya]]), dis-similarity ([[vishesha]]), qualities ([[guna]]), substances ([[dravya]]), actions ([[karma]]) and inseparable relationships ([[samavaya]]). These six entities have existence. On the contrary, abhava is based on and can be explained based on relativity theory. Thus, by abhava, one can understand only the negation of something, somewhere, and absolutely nothing (shunya). Nyaya philosophy mentioned abhava as an object of knowledge (prameya). The Bhatta Mimamsaka and the Vedanta school of Philosophy hold that Abhava as anupalabdhi or non congnition.<ref name=SSC/> It may be concisely defined as that which, itself not having intimate relation, is not close relation. [Sarvadarshanasangraha 10/18-19]<ref name=SDS>Madhavacharya. Sarvadarshanasangraha. Edited by pandit Udayanarain singh. Mumbai. Lakshmi venkteshwar publisher.1847.</ref> Knowledge of Abhava can be perceived through Pratyaksha.

==Etymology==

The Sanskrit word ‘abhava’ is made by applying the prefix ‘to the word ‘bhava’. The prefix ‘a’ denotes absence, less, false, or prohibit; Bhava means existence, natural state, condition, thing, substance, or a being.<ref>Shabdakalpadruma, Radhakantdev R, editors. Delhi: Amar Publication;2018.</ref> So Abhava is defined as the non-existence or absence of something or substance. It denotes a natural or human-made lack of an item.

==Synonyms==

Abhava, negation, non-existence, non-entity.

==Definition==

*Non-existence or negation of things is called ‘Abhava’.[SAT-A.272]<ref name=NAMSTEP>National AYUSH Morbidity and Standardized Terminologies Electronic Portal by Ministry of AYUSH Available on http://namstp.ayush.gov.in/#/Ayurveda</ref>
*The category of negation, absence, or non-existence is abhava. 

==Characteristic features==
 
*Abhava is the non-existence or negation of a thing. When knowledge of a thing depends on its contrary ability to existence is abhava.
*The cognition of bhava padartha occurs independently. The cognition of a pot (ghata) is naturally through the existence of pot. The knowledge of non-existence of pot also depends on pot. The knowledge of pot exists initially; its non-existence will essentially depend on this initial knowledge. 

===Acceptance of abhava as [[padartha]]===

Following texts accepted and included abhava as [[padartha]]. 
*[[Charak Samhita]] – mentioned Sat and Asata (Abhava). [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 11/17]
*Tarkasangraha [Tk.S.2]<ref name=Tarka>Annam Bhatt. Takrasangraha. Edited by S.S.Sukthankar. Bombay: The Bombay book depot;1930.</ref>
*Saptapadarthi also considered abhava as padartha.<ref name=Siva/>

===Reasons for acceptance of abhava as a [[padartha]] or a distinct category===

A [[padartha]] is characterized by existence (astittva), knowability (jneyatva), and nomenclature (abhidheyatva).[Prashastapada] The first requirement of [[padartha]] is that it must be factual or real and not fictional or virtual. Every natural thing has its existence (astittva) which is something unique and prevents from being confused with one another. The second requirement is that it should be known. Anything that is unknowable cannot be regarded as a [[padartha]]. Lastly, every [[padartha]] must be expressible in language, verbal expression is nothing but thought externalized. The concept of ‘abhava’ indirectly fulfills all the three basic requirements of a [[padartha]]. Therefore, abhava is considered a [[padartha]].

In the absence of abhava, all the entities in this universe will be eternal. Destruction of things will not be possible. Vaisheshika philosophy accepts causative elements (kaarana dravya) and acting elements (kaarya dravya). The acting elements (kaarya dravya) have the characteristic feature of getting destroyed. In the absence of abhava, it is difficult to explain the state of transformation and the state of transient existence (anityata). Navyanaiyayik has used the principle of Abhava, to explain ultimate liberation (moksha), the absolute abolition of pain.<ref name=SSC/>

==Types of abhava==

Abhava is mainly of two types [Sarvadarshanasangraha 10/22]<ref name=SDS/>, [Tk.S. 80]<ref name=Tarka/>:
#Absence of something in something else (samsargabhava).
#One thing is not another thing or mutual negation (anyonyabhava).

Abhava is classified into four types [Saptapadarthi 9]<ref name=Siva/>:
#Antecedent negation (pragabhava)
#Non-existence after destruction (pradhwansabhava)
#Absolute negation or absolute non-existence in all times (atyantabhava)
#Reciprocal or mutual negation (anyonyabhava)

The first three types are considered under samsargabhava.

'''1. Antecedent negation (pragabhava):''' The non-existence of a substance before its manifestation is termed pragabhava.[SAT-A.273]<ref name=NAMSTEP/> According to Tarka Sangraha, “Absence of effect before the manifestation of karya (effect) is called pragabhava or antecedent non-existence.<ref name=Tarka/> There is no beginning. It exists before the production of the effect. The appearance of the effect brings about the end of antecedent non-existence. e.g., before the manifestation of the pot (ghata), a negation of pot (ghata) exists for a long time. But when once the pot is created, this negation is destructed. Hence this negation has an end.[Tk.S.47]<ref name=Tarka/>

'''2. Negation after destruction (pradhwansabhava):''' The non-existence of an effect (kaarya) after its destruction is termed pradhwansabhava. [SAT-A.274]<ref name=NAMSTEP/> The non-existence is produced as soon as the effect is destroyed, and it lasts indefinitely. As a result, it has a beginning (adi) but no end (anant). So, destruction causes negation. e.g. absence of pot after its destruction. It indicates the non-existence in the future.[Tk.S.47]<ref name=Tarka/>

'''3. Absolute negation or absolute non-existence (atyantabhava):''' The absolute non-existence in past, present, and future is atyantabhava. [SAT-A.275]<ref name=NAMSTEP/> It ascertains or reflects counter correlative delimited by relation or connection. It is eternal [Tk.S.47]<ref name=Tarka/>. e.g. Vision (rupa) never exist in [[vayu mahabhuta]]. As rupa is the quality of [[agni mahabhuta]], not of vayu. This shows the absolute negation.

'''4. Reciprocal or mutual negation (anyonyabhava):''' The non-existence of a substance in another substance is anyonyabhava.[SAT-A.276]<ref name=NAMSTEP/> It differentiates absolute non-existence from reciprocal non-existence. The relation of identity characterizes it. It has its counter entity characterized by the relation of the identity. Like atyantabhava, it also has no beginning and no end. e.g., the pot cannot be cloth. Every individual has a unique identity, and he cannot be another person.[Tk.S.47]<ref name=Tarka/>

==Ayurveda perspectives==
 
Six factors (shat-karanas) are essential for restoring the equilibrium of [[dhatu]]s (dhatu saamya), which is the primary objective of [[Charak Samhita]]. As abhava is not required to achieve this objective, Charak has not enumerated and further described abhava. Charak has accepted that there are two types of entities in this universe viz. Sat (entities do have existence), and asat (entities do not have existence). While explaining the principle of “Svabhavaparamavada” (theory of natural destruction), the abhava principle has been accepted. The non-existence of causative factors (hetohavartanam) is considered the cause of the destruction of disequilibrium of [[dhatu]] (dhatu vaishamya). [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 16/27]

==Applicability of abhava==

*The presence and absence of knowledge (gyanasya abhava or bhav) are the characteristics feature of mind ([[manas]]). [Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 1/18] The presence or absence of mind plays a key role in the perception of knowledge. 
*The pathology is manifested by the depletion of increments in [[dosha]], [[dhatu]], and [[mala]]. These pathological states lead to the absence of some signs and symptoms. This helps in proper diagnosis and prognosis. So abhava is also helpful in understanding the normal physiology, pathology, diagnosis, and prognosis. For example, in insomnia (anidra), sleep is absent and leads to other disorders. The absence of normal digestion in indigestion leads to other signs. 
*Treatment that leads to an absence of relapse is called as ‘apunarbhava chikitsa’. The concept of abhava is also applied in such a treatment approach.
*All the objects in this Universe have presence (bhava) and absence (abhava) which can be recognized by their proper maintenance (yoga), non-utilization (ayoga), excessive utilization (atiyoga), and improper utilization (mithyayoga). Bhava needs logical interpretation ([[yukti]]) for recognition. Abhava doesn’t depend on [[yukti]].[Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 11/44]
*All researches need hypothesis testing. A researcher in any study proposes the null hypothesis and underlines the desire for acceptance of an alternative idea through hypothesis testing (tests of statistics). The absence or abhava of the null hypothesis ultimately leads to the approval of the alternative idea.

==Current researches==

===Existence and Non-Existence in the Philosophy of Martin Heidegger===
 
Hiba Abdulelah Younus attempts to shed light on the basic point of Martin Heidegger's philosophy, which is founded on two central ideas: existence (human life) and non-existence (death). The meaning of nothingness (death) was disclosed by philosophy in light of a person's yearning for continuation in life and the fear of death, which is a clear indication that existence does not make sense. Still, the person's presence in this world is what gives life its meaning and rationality.<ref>Abdulah Younus, Hiba.  Existence and Non-Existence in the Philosophy of Martin Heidegger.2020.</ref>

===Heisenberg's uncertainty principle===

This concept states that if an electron stays within the nucleus, it can stay anywhere within the nucleus and has a particular kinetic energy. Still, the electron's maximum emitted kinetic energy is less than what is necessary. As a result, the expelled electron was not present inside the nucleus before emission. The concept of abhava, or non-existence before manifestation, is implicitly accepted by this concept.<ref>Available from https://history.aip.org/exhibits/heisenberg/implications.html (accessed on 17.03.2022, 2.34PM)</ref>, <ref>Busch P, Heinonen T, Lahti P. Heisenberg's uncertainty principle. Physics Reports. 2007 Nov 1;452(6):155-76.</ref>

Rajen Lakra focused on the notion of abhava in nyaya and vaisheshika darshana and their understanding of abhava and its forms in a review study. The paper elaborated on the description of abhava in the different philosophical literature.<ref>Lakra, Rajen. (2015). The Concept of Abhava in Nyaya-Vaisesika System. LXIII. 9-16.</ref>

==Theses done==

#Rekha Bajpai (1986): Nyaya vaishesika darshanamein abhavapadartha ka niruapana. Department of Sanskrit; University of Lucknow, Lucknow.
#Neela Malik (1988): Concept of abhava. Department of Philosophy, University of Delhi.
#Subrahmanya Kumar K (2015): Study of abhava and abhavapratinidhidravyas. Institute of Trans-disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology, Manipal University.
#Sanghamitra Barman (2017): Abhava as a category some philosophical problems. Department of Philosophy, University of North Bengal.

==Abbreviations==
 
Tk. = Takra, S.= Sangraha

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==Related Chapters==
 
[[Deerghanjiviteeya Adhyaya]], [[Ayurveda]], [[Kaarya Kaarana Siddhanta]], [[Samanya Vishesha Siddhanta]], [[Dravya]], [[Padartha]], [[Guna]], [[Karma]], [[Disha]],[[Samavaya]]

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