The six classical systems of Indian philosophy, known as the "Sādh Darshanas," each offer unique perspectives and insights into various aspects of existence, knowledge, and spiritual practice. Here’s an expanded view of each system:
Nyāya of Sage Gautama (Gotama)
- Focus: Logic and epistemology.
- Core Concepts: Nyāya is primarily concerned with the means of acquiring knowledge (pramāṇas). It identifies four reliable means: perception (pratyakṣa), inference (anumāna), comparison (upamāna), and testimony (śabda). The Nyāya system emphasizes rigorous logical analysis and debate to uncover the truth and remove misconceptions.
- Key Text: Nyāya Sūtras.
Vaiśeṣika of Sage Kaṇāda
- Focus: Atomism and metaphysics.
- Core Concepts: Vaiśeṣika postulates that the universe is composed of indivisible particles (atoms) and categorizes reality into seven categories (padārthas): substance (dravya), quality (guṇa), activity (karma), generality (sāmānya), particularity (viśeṣa), inherence (samavāya), and non-existence (abhāva). It seeks to explain the nature of the physical world and its components.
- Key Text: Vaiśeṣika Sūtras.
Sāṃkhya of Sage Kapila
- Focus: Evolution and dualism.
- Core Concepts: Sāṃkhya is a dualistic philosophy that distinguishes between consciousness (puruṣa) and matter (prakṛti). It describes a process of cosmic evolution where prakṛti evolves into various forms of the material world under the influence of puruṣa. This system emphasizes knowledge as the means to liberation (mokṣa).
- Key Text: Sāṃkhya Kārikā.
Yoga of Sage Patañjali
- Focus: Involution and practical discipline.
- Core Concepts: Yoga is closely related to Sāṃkhya and focuses on the practical aspects of achieving spiritual liberation through self-discipline (sādhanā). Patañjali's Yoga Sūtras outline an eightfold path (Aṣṭāṅga Yoga) comprising ethical precepts (yamas and niyamas), physical postures (āsanas), breath control (prāṇāyāma), sense withdrawal (pratyāhāra), concentration (dhāraṇā), meditation (dhyāna), and ultimate absorption (samādhi).
- Key Text: Yoga Sūtras.
Pūrva Mīmāṃsā of Sage Jaimini
- Focus: Ritualism and dharma.
- Core Concepts: Pūrva Mīmāṃsā emphasizes the importance of ritual actions (karma) as prescribed in the Vedas. It holds that performing Vedic rituals and duties is the primary means of achieving dharma (righteousness) and ensuring cosmic order. Mīmāṃsā also deals extensively with the interpretation of Vedic texts and the philosophy of language.
- Key Text: Mīmāṃsā Sūtras.
Uttara Mīmāṃsā (Vedānta) of Sage Bādarāyaṇa Vyāsa
- Focus: Supreme Consciousness and ultimate reality.
- Core Concepts: Vedānta, also known as Uttara Mīmāṃsā, explores the nature of Brahman (the supreme, unchanging reality) and Ātman (the individual soul). It seeks to understand the relationship between the individual self and the universal self. Vedānta has several sub-schools, including Advaita (non-dualism), Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism), and Dvaita (dualism), each interpreting the Vedic texts differently.
- Key Text: Brahma Sūtras (also known as Vedānta Sūtras).
Together, these six systems offer a comprehensive framework for understanding various dimensions of reality, from logical reasoning and metaphysical principles to practical spiritual discipline and ultimate liberation.