Skip to main content

What are the six systems of Ancient Indian Philosophy?

 Discovering the Six Systems of Ancient Indian Philosophy: An In-Depth Guide

Introduction

In ancient India, metaphysics was considered a cornerstone of the philosophical foundation of life. This was given the term Darshana, meaning "showing the path." The Astika or orthodox schools of Indian Philosophy were influenced by the authority of the Vedas and comprised six systems known as the Shad-Darshanas. In this article, we will delve into each of these six systems to understand the rich philosophy of ancient India.


Nyaya: The School of Logic and Epistemology

Founded by Akshapada Gautama in the 2nd Century BCE, Nyaya was a school of philosophy that dealt with logic and epistemology. Its main objective was to eliminate ignorance and provide a valid means of gaining knowledge. It listed four valid and four invalid means of gaining knowledge and was closely linked with the Vaisheshika School.


Vaisheshika: The Atomistic School

Popularly known as the atomistic school of Indian Philosophy, Vaisheshika deals with seven elements of matter and the nomenclature of Saptapadartha, including substance, qualities, activities, generalist traits, specialty, inter-relatedness, and absence.


Samkhya: Understanding the Creator and Creation

A complex philosophy, Samkhya explores the relationship between the creator and creation. It introduces concepts like the universal cosmic spirit (Mahat), passive element (Purusha), active element (Prakriti), and the three Gunas- Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. Samkhya is credited to Sage Kapila.


Ashtanga Yoga: Enhancing Spirituality through Eight Limbs

While Samkhya highlights the three Gunas, Ashtanga Yoga focuses on connecting with the greater cosmic essence to enhance spirituality. The eight limbs of Yoga Sutras of Patanjali include Yama (moral conduct), Niyama (discipline), Asana (right posture), Pranayama (effective breathing), Pratyahara (withdrawing the senses), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (supreme bliss/salvation).


Purva Mimamsa: The Action-Based Compendium of Vedic Knowledge

Sage Jaimini is associated with Purva Mimamsa, which explores the importance of conducting Vedic rituals for attaining Moksha (salvation). This school deals with Karma Khanda, an action-based compendium of knowledge in the Vedas.


Uttara Mimamsa or Vedanta: The Metaphysical Element of the Vedas

Vedanta is the last of the four forms of the Vedas and comprises a more metaphysical element for exploration. It was analyzed and interpreted by several thinkers, including Advaita Vedanta by Shankaracharya, Vivishta Advaita by Ramanujacharya, Dvaita Vedanta by Madhavacharya, Dvaitadvaita Vedanta by Nimbaraka, and Shuddha Advaita Vedanta by Vallabhacharya. Sage Bhadrayana is credited with the beginning of Vedanta.


Conclusion

The six systems of Astika in ancient India form the rich philosophy that still influences spirituality and beliefs in modern-day India. From the school of logic and epistemology (Nyaya) to the metaphysical element of the Vedas (Vedanta), each system offers a unique perspective on life and the world around us. Understanding these systems gives us a glimpse into the depth of thought and knowledge that existed

[Ancient Indian Philosophy, Darshana, Shad-Darshanas, Astika, Orthodox schools, Vedas, Nyaya, Akshapada Gautama, logic, epistemology, Vaisheshika, atomistic school, Samkhya, Kapila, Mahat, Purusha, Prakriti, Tri-Gunas, Ashtanga Yoga, Yoga Sutras, Patanjali, Purva Mimamsa, Jaimini, Vedanta, Shankaracharya, Ramanujacharya, Madhavacharya, Nimbaraka, Vallabhacharya.]

#[#Philosophy, Religion, Spirituality, Customs, Traditions, Metaphysics, Epistemology, Logic, Atoms, Creation, Spirituality, Vedic Rituals, Salvation, Moksha, Karma, Metaphysics, Thinkers.]

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Importance of "INDIAN PHILOSOPHY"

 Importance of "I ndian Philosophy" Indian philosophy is a vast and diverse field that encompasses a wide range of beliefs, practices, and traditions. It has a rich history that spans thousands of years and has had a profound impact on the development of human thought and civilization. Vedic philosophy; One of the most ancient and influential branches of Indian philosophy is the Vedic philosophy, which is based on the sacred texts known as the Vedas. These texts, which are considered to be some of the oldest sacred texts in the world, contain a wealth of knowledge on topics such as the nature of reality, the purpose of life, and the path to self-realization. According to the Vedic philosophy, the ultimate goal of human existence is to attain the state of self-realization or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. This is achieved through the pursuit of knowledge and spiritual practices such as meditation, yoga, and the performance of certain rituals. Upanishadic philoso...
Post a Comment
Read more

10 thoughts from the Gita/ Thoughts of the day

 10 thoughts from the Gita/ Thoughts of the day 1. The world is an illusion, created by the mind and the senses. 2. The body is just a temporary vessel for the soul. 3. Do not be attached to the idea of success or failure. 4. True wisdom comes from understanding the interconnectedness of all things. 5. Surrender your ego to the divine will, and be guided by it. 6. All beings are equal, regardless of their caste, gender, or social status. 7. The divine is both transcendent and immanent, present in all things. 8. True happiness comes from inner contentment, not external possessions or circumstances. 9. The path to liberation and enlightenment is open to all, regardless of their background or past actions. 10. Love and devotion are the most 
Post a Comment
Read more

Fuel Your Ambition / Thoughts of the day

 Fuel Your Ambition / Thoughts to Help You Reach Your Goals 1]The only thing standing between you and your goal is the story you keep telling yourself why you can't achieve it. 2]If you don't design your own life plan, chances are you'll fall into someone else's plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much. 3]Success is not about being better than someone else, it's about being better than you used to be. 4]The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. 5]The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. 6]Everything you've ever wanted is on the other side of fear. 7]Success is not a destination, it's a journey. 8]You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do. 9]The harder the struggle, the more glorious the triumph. 10]Don't let yesterday take up too much of today. 11]The only time you should look back is to see how far you've come. 12]Believe in your dreams and they may co...
Post a Comment
Read more