Hindu philosophy

Hindu philosophy refers to the diverse philosophical traditions that emerged in ancient India. Rooted in the texts of the Vedas, Hindu philosophy encompasses a wide range of thoughts and practices including metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. Over the centuries, it has produced a complex tapestry of ideas that have significantly influenced Indian culture and beyond.

Overview

Hindu philosophy is traditionally divided into six orthodox (āstika) schools of thought, or darśanas, which accept the authority of the Vedas, and several heterodox (nāstika) schools that do not. The orthodox schools are Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimamsa, and Vedanta. Each school offers a unique perspective on topics such as the nature of reality, the means to achieve knowledge, and the path to liberation (moksha).

Samkhya

Samkhya is one of the oldest schools of Hindu philosophy and is closely associated with the Yoga school. It proposes a dualistic viewpoint, distinguishing between consciousness (purusha) and matter (prakriti). Liberation in Samkhya philosophy is achieved through the realization of the separation of purusha from prakriti.

Yoga

Yoga, as a philosophy, outlines a discipline that leads to the spiritual liberation through the control of mind and senses. It is closely related to Samkhya in its foundational concepts but emphasizes practical techniques, such as meditation and physical postures, to achieve self-realization.

Nyaya

The Nyaya school focuses on logic and epistemology. It proposes that knowledge can be obtained through four means: perception, inference, comparison, and testimony. Nyaya's insights into logical reasoning and debate have significantly influenced other schools of Hindu philosophy.

Vaisheshika

Vaisheshika deals with metaphysics, particularly ontology and categorization of reality. It suggests that everything can be reduced to a limited number of atoms, and knowledge of the world can be gained by understanding the nature of these atoms and their compositions.

Mimamsa

Mimamsa emphasizes the authority of the Vedas and focuses on the interpretation of the rituals and the correct performance of Vedic sacrifices as a means to sustain the universe and lead a righteous life.

Vedanta

Vedanta is perhaps the most influential school of Hindu philosophy, primarily concerned with the study of the Upanishads. It explores the nature of reality, emphasizing the concept of Brahman (the ultimate reality) and Atman (the inner self). Vedanta has several sub-schools, such as Advaita (non-dualism), Dvaita (dualism), and Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism).

Heterodox Schools

In addition to the orthodox schools, Hindu philosophy also includes heterodox schools such as Buddhism, Jainism, and Charvaka. These schools reject the authority of the Vedas and have developed their own philosophical frameworks.

Influence and Legacy

Hindu philosophy has had a profound impact on the cultural and spiritual life of India and other parts of Asia. Its concepts are integral to the practices of yoga, meditation, and various rituals. The philosophical discussions and debates among the different schools have contributed to a rich intellectual tradition.

See Also

• Indian philosophy
• Religion in India
• History of Hinduism