Vaisheshika is a school of Indian philosophy that is known for its atomistic realism about the nature of reality. According to Vaisheshika, the ultimate reality is made up of atoms, which are eternal, indivisible, and imperceptible particles. These atoms are considered to be the building blocks of the universe and are responsible for the creation of all material objects.

The concept of atoms in Vaisheshika is closely related to the idea of substance (dravya). According to this school of thought, there are nine substances that make up the universe – earth, water, fire, air, ether, time, space, self, and mind. These substances are made up of atoms, which are conceived as the ultimate constituents of matter.

Vaisheshika views atoms as being eternal and indestructible. They are considered to be the fundamental units of reality and are not composed of any smaller parts. This belief is in line with the modern scientific understanding of atoms, which are also considered to be the smallest indivisible units of matter.

In addition to being eternal and indivisible, atoms in Vaisheshika are also considered to be imperceptible. This means that they cannot be perceived by the senses or through any scientific instruments. They are beyond the reach of human perception and can only be inferred through logical reasoning.

The role of atoms in Vaisheshika is crucial as they are seen as the cause of all material objects. The combination and arrangement of atoms give rise to the various substances in the universe. For example, the combination of earth atoms gives rise to solid objects, while the combination of water atoms gives rise to liquids. This understanding of atoms as the cause of material objects is similar to the modern scientific understanding of how atoms combine to form molecules and ultimately, all matter.

In conclusion, Vaisheshika views atoms as the fundamental units of reality and the building blocks of the universe. They are considered to be eternal, indivisible, and imperceptible and play a crucial role in the creation of all material objects. This atomistic realism is a key aspect of Vaisheshika philosophy and has influenced many other schools of thought in Indian philosophy.