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"Kala or Time, is the measure of change" says Charaka. It is relative dating of events and the interval that arises between two events in a causal series. Ordinarily Kala or Times is reckoned with reference to the sun, and time relationship that exists between the sun and the earth. It is described in terms of Bhuta (i.e) the past or priority, and Bhavishyat (i.e.) subsequence. From a technical point of view, which is important, Kala or Time is the unit of measurement of physical and chemical reactions and changes, or better still. Physico - chemical reactions that take place at micro, molecular and atomic levels. Stated in general terms, Vaiseshikas consider Kala or Time as Vibhu or non - atomic and a Dravya (i.e.) an entity by itself which possesses measurable qualities. However, as stated above, it has special reference to physical and chemical changes.

 

It is interesting to note in this connection that, extremely small fractions of time have been employed by both the ancient physicists and astronomers in their calculation.

 

For example, the following Kalamana of the astronomers is significant:

 

30 Kshanas .. 1 Day

2 Ghatikas .. 1 Kshana

30 Kalas .. 1 Ghatika

30 Kashtas .. 1 Kala

18 Nimeshas .. 1 Kahshta, 30 Tatparas

1 Nimesha and 100 Trutis - 1 Tatpara

 

A truti of Times is equal to 1/53760 of a second, which is nearly the measurement of the paramanu of Time. The ancient physicists computed time as per table mentioned below:

 

30 Muhurtas .. 1 Day (24 hours)

30 Kalas .. 1 Muhurta

30 Kashtas .. 1 Kala

18 Nimeshas .. 1 Kashtha

2 Lavas .. 1 Nimesha

2 Kshanas .. 1 Lava

 

"This makes I Kshana of Nyaya Vaiseshikas equal t 2/45 of a second. Nyaya considers that the unit of physical change or the time taken by a single antecedent step in a cause series (i.e.) prior to the oncoming step, is equal to a Kshana (i.e) 2/45 of a second."

 

The consideration of Kala or Time leads us on to a related topic viz., the measurement of the duration of time involved in physical and chemical changes. It will be profitable to take note in this connection, of the Vaiseshika concept of atomic agglomeration or integration. It was seen earlier, that in the view of Vaiseshikas, the entire universe is constituted with paramanus or atoms. Basing on the view that " the properties the exist in the causative factor are present in the resultant factor, - each Paramanu was stated to possess some special or specific properties - the things arising out of their combination, are held to develop the same properties (i.e) specify to the respective paramanus. This view is supported by the analogy of waves in a lake, Waves occur in a big lake or tank due to the action of the wind. The water constituting the wave is not structurally different from the water at the bottom of the lake. In both cases (i.e) the waves, and the water at the depths of the lake are alike composed of extremely small particles of water - the difference in the physical appearance between the former and the latter notwithstanding. It should be remembered in this connection the paramanus do not occur in nature in an uncombined state.