The Nyaya-Vaisheshika philosophy, one of the classical schools of Indian philosophy, provides a nuanced understanding of the nature of relationships through the concepts of samyoga and samavaya.
Samyoga (Conjunction): Samyoga is a type of relationship
that is characterized by conjunction, implying a temporary coming together of
two entities. It is often compared to the meeting of two objects, such as two
balls moving from opposite directions. This type of relationship is termed
'yuta siddha' because it comes into existence (siddha) when the two entities
are united (yuta). The union is considered temporary, and the relationship
ceases to exist when the conjunction ends.
Samavaya (Inherence): In contrast to samyoga, samavaya
represents a more profound and permanent form of relationship, where one entity
inheres in another. This relationship is considered 'ayuta siddha,' emphasizing
its permanence even in the absence of immediate conjunction. Examples of
samavaya relationships include the relationship between the whole and its parts
(e.g., cloth and threads), a quality or action inhering in a substance (e.g.,
redness in a rose, motion in a moving ball), or a universal inhering in
individual entities (e.g., manhood in men).
Whole and Parts: In the case of the whole and its parts,
samavaya is evident as the entirety of an object inheres in its constituent
elements. For instance, a cloth inherently relates to its threads.
Quality or Action and Substance: Samavaya is also observed
when qualities or actions inherently exist in substances. Examples include the
redness in a rose or the motion in a moving ball.
Universal and Individuals: The philosophy acknowledges
samavaya in the relationship between universals and individual entities, such
as the universal concept of manhood inhering in individual men.
In summary, while samyoga signifies a temporary conjunction
between entities, samavaya denotes a permanent inherence where the relationship
persists even in the absence of immediate conjunction. The Nyaya-Vaisheshika
philosophy provides a structured and intricate framework for understanding the
dynamics of these relationships within the broader context of metaphysics and
ontology.