Indian Knowledge System: Indian Philosophy

Indian Knowledge System: Indian Philosophy

• Overview of Indian Philosophy

  • A diverse and ancient tradition of thought.
  • Primarily divided into two main categories: Astika (orthodox) and Nastika (heterodox) systems.

• Astika Systems (accept Vedas as authoritative)

  1. Vedanta

     • Focuses on the Upanishads and concepts like Brahman (ultimate reality) and Atman (soul).
     • Major schools: Advaita (non-dualism), Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism), and Dvaita (dualism).

  2. Nyaya

     • Emphasizes logic and epistemology.
     • Discussion on valid sources of knowledge (pramanas) and the process of reasoning.

  3. Vaisheshika

     • Atomistic realism, classifying physical objects.
     • Explores categories (padarthas) such as substance, quality, and action.

  4. Samkhya

     • Dualistic philosophy, distinguishing between Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter).
     • Influenced later schools like Yoga.

  5. Yoga

     • Practical discipline focusing on meditation and moral ethics.
     • Eightfold path (Ashtanga) leading to enlightenment.

• Nastika Systems (do not accept Vedas as authoritative)

  1. Buddhism

     • Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha).
     • Key concepts: Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, and the concept of Anatta (non-self).

  2. Jainism

     • Founded by Mahavira, emphasizing non-violence (ahimsa) and asceticism.
     • Belief in multiple souls and the importance of karma.

• Objectives of Indian Philosophy

  • Understanding the nature of reality, existence, and human destiny.
  • Integration of knowledge and practice for spiritual realization.

• Key Concepts

  • Dharma: Duty/ethical path.
  • Karma: Principle of cause and effect guiding moral conduct.
  • Moksha: Liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara).

• Influence

  • Deep impact on culture, literature, and ethical frameworks in India and beyond.
  • Continuing relevance in contemporary philosophy and spirituality.

Overview of Indian Philosophy

• Diverse and ancient tradition spanning across various schools of thought
• Primarily divided into two main categories: Astika (orthodox) and Nastika (heterodox) systems
• Astika systems accept the Vedas as authoritative texts
• Nastika systems reject the Vedas as authoritative

Astika Systems

• Vedanta

  • Focuses on the Upanishads and concepts like Brahman (ultimate reality) and Atman (soul)
  • Major schools: Advaita (non-dualism), Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism), and Dvaita (dualism)

• Nyaya

  • Emphasizes logic and epistemology
  • Discusses valid sources of knowledge (pramanas) and the process of reasoning

• Vaisheshika

  • Atomistic realism, classifying physical objects
  • Explores categories (padarthas) such as substance, quality, and action

• Samkhya

  • Dualistic philosophy, distinguishing between Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter)
  • Influenced later schools like Yoga

• Yoga

  • Practical discipline focusing on meditation and moral ethics
  • Eightfold path (Ashtanga) leading to enlightenment

Nastika Systems

• Buddhism

  • Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)
  • Key concepts: Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, and the concept of Anatta (non-self)

• Jainism

  • Founded by Mahavira
  • Emphasizes non-violence (ahimsa) and asceticism
  • Belief in multiple souls and the importance of karma

Objectives of Indian Philosophy

• Understanding the nature of reality, existence, and human destiny
• Integration of knowledge and practice for spiritual realization

Key Concepts

• Dharma: Duty/ethical path
• Karma: Principle of cause and effect guiding moral conduct
• Moksha: Liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara)

Influence

• Deep impact on culture, literature, and ethical frameworks in India and beyond
• Continuing relevance in contemporary philosophy and spirituality