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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.]

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