Vākyapadīya (c. 5th century CE)

Bhartrhari, grammarian-philosopher, fused Panini's grammar with Advaita metaphysics.

Sphota Theory

Meaning not in individual phonemes (varna) or words, but in holistic burst (sphota) — indivisible linguistic unit.

The word is the cause of the cognition of meaning; meaning is eternal (nitya).

Shabda-Brahman

Ultimate reality as linguistic Brahman: language is the creative power of the universe.

Levels of Language

Vaikhari (spoken), madhyama (mental), pashyanti (subtle).

Unity of Word & World

"There is no cognition without language; cognition is word-formed."

Influenced Indian linguistics, mysticism; parallels Wittgenstein, structuralism.