Indian philosophy

Raja Ravi Varma - Sankaracharya

1st Tirthankara Rishbha Rsabhanatha Adinath Jainism

Gandhara Buddha (tnm)

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Eight Patriarchs of the Shingon Sect of Buddhism Nagarjuna Cropped

Sudama and Lomas Rishi Caves at Barabar, Bihar, 1870

Indian philosophy refers to the diverse philosophical traditions that emerged in the Indian subcontinent over millennia. It encompasses a wide range of thought, belief systems, and philosophies that originated in the geographical area of the Indian subcontinent, including the modern nations of India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and parts of Myanmar. Indian philosophy is broadly categorized into Orthodox (āstika) and Heterodox (nāstika) schools of thought, based on their acceptance of the Vedas as authoritative.

Orthodox Schools

The Orthodox schools, known as āstika, recognize the authority of the Vedas and include six main philosophies:

1. Samkhya: An enumerationist philosophy that posits two realities, Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter).
2. Yoga: Focused on techniques and disciplines for attaining spiritual insight and tranquility, closely associated with Samkhya.
3. Nyaya: A school of logic and epistemology that emphasizes the use of reason to understand the world.
4. Vaisheshika: Similar to Nyaya, but focuses on categorizing entities and understanding the nature of the universe.
5. Mimamsa: Concentrates on the interpretation of the Vedas, particularly the rituals and the correct performance of these rituals.
6. Vedanta: A diverse school that develops philosophical interpretations of the Upanishads, focusing on concepts like Brahman (ultimate reality) and Atman (self).

Heterodox Schools

The Heterodox schools, known as nāstika, reject the authority of the Vedas. These include:

1. Buddhism: Founded by Gautama Buddha, it teaches the path to enlightenment (Nirvana) through practices and insights into the nature of mind and reality.
2. Jainism: Established by Mahavira, it emphasizes non-violence (Ahimsa), truth, and asceticism, aiming for liberation of the soul.
3. Charvaka: A materialistic and skeptical philosophy that rejected the afterlife, the supernatural, and the authority of the scriptures.

Common Themes

Despite the diversity, common themes in Indian philosophy include Dharma (duty/ethics), Karma (action and its consequences), Moksha (liberation from the cycle of Samsara), and the importance of spiritual knowledge and practice. The concept of Maya (illusion) is also significant in many schools, suggesting the world we perceive is not the ultimate reality.

Influence

Indian philosophy has had a profound impact on the culture, religion, and society of the Indian subcontinent and has also influenced Western thought. Through the spread of Buddhism, it has affected East and Southeast Asian philosophies. In the modern era, Indian philosophical ideas have contributed to global discussions on ethics, metaphysics, and the mind.

See Also

• History of India
• Religion in India
• Indian literature