Indian Philosophy Key Schools of Thought

Indian Philosophy

Key Schools of Thought

• Vedanta: Focuses on the ultimate reality (Brahman) and the self (Atman)
  • Sub-schools: Advaita (non-dualism), Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism), and Dvaita (dualism)
• Yoga: Emphasizes the attainment of liberation through physical and mental discipline
• Nyaya: Concerned with logical reasoning and the process of knowledge
• Vaisheshika: Focuses on the nature of reality and the ultimate atoms (anu) that make up the universe
• Mimamsa: Examines the nature of dharma (duty) and the performance of rituals
• Buddhism: Founded by Siddhartha Gautama, emphasizes the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path
• Jainism: Founded by Mahavira, emphasizes non-violence (ahimsa) and self-control

Key Concepts

• Atman: The individual self or soul
• Brahman: The ultimate reality or universe
• Moksha: Liberation from the cycle of rebirth and death (samsara)
• Karma: The concept of action and its consequences
• Dharma: Duty, morality, and righteous living
• Samsara: The cycle of rebirth and death
• Maya: Illusion or ignorance that prevents realization of the ultimate reality

Influential Thinkers

• Uddalaka Aruni: A prominent teacher of the Upanishads
• Badarayana: Author of the Brahma Sutras
• Gautama: Founder of the Nyaya school
• Kapila: Founder of the Samkhya school
• Patanjali: Author of the Yoga Sutras
• Buddha: Founder of Buddhism
• Mahavira: Founder of Jainism

Indian Philosophy

• Indian philosophy encompasses six orthodox schools of thought, which include Vedanta, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimamsa, and Buddhism and Jainism (heterodox schools)

Vedanta

• Focuses on the ultimate reality (Brahman) and the self (Atman)
• Sub-schools: Advaita (non-dualism), Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism), and Dvaita (dualism)

Yoga

• Emphasizes the attainment of liberation through physical and mental discipline

Nyaya

• Concerned with logical reasoning and the process of knowledge

Vaisheshika

• Focuses on the nature of reality and the ultimate atoms (anu) that make up the universe

Mimamsa

• Examines the nature of dharma (duty) and the performance of rituals

Buddhism

• Founded by Siddhartha Gautama
• Emphasizes the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path

Jainism

• Founded by Mahavira
• Emphasizes non-violence (ahimsa) and self-control

Key Concepts

Atman and Brahman

• Atman: the individual self or soul
• Brahman: the ultimate reality or universe

Liberation and Rebirth

• Moksha: liberation from the cycle of rebirth and death (samsara)
• Karma: the concept of action and its consequences

Dharma and Morality

• Dharma: duty, morality, and righteous living

Illusion and Reality

• Maya: illusion or ignorance that prevents realization of the ultimate reality
• Samsara: the cycle of rebirth and death

Influential Thinkers

• Uddalaka Aruni: a prominent teacher of the Upanishads
• Badarayana: author of the Brahma Sutras
• Gautama: founder of the Nyaya school
• Kapila: founder of the Samkhya school
• Patanjali: author of the Yoga Sutras
• Buddha: founder of Buddhism
• Mahavira: founder of Jainism

Explore the fundamental principles of Indian philosophy, including Vedanta, Yoga, Nyaya, and Vaisheshika, and their approaches to reality and liberation.