BY RITA PATANI

Indian philosophy is a vast and intricate tapestry that has evolved over millennia, deeply influencing not only the Indian subcontinent but also philosophical thought worldwide. At its core, Indian philosophy seeks to understand the nature of reality, the self, and the ultimate purpose of life. This profound quest for knowledge and truth has given rise to diverse schools of thought, each contributing unique perspectives to the broader philosophical landscape.

The roots of Indian philosophy can be traced back to the Vedas, the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism. The Vedas emphasize rituals, hymns, and the worship of various deities. However, it is in the Upanishads, the philosophical texts that form the latter part of the Vedas, where profound philosophical inquiries emerge. The Upanishads delve into questions of existence, consciousness, and the ultimate reality, known as Brahman. They introduce the concept of Atman (the self or soul) and its unity with Brahman, encapsulated in the famous dictum “Tat Tvam Asi” (Thou art that).

Indian philosophy is traditionally categorized into six orthodox (Astika) schools that accept the authority of the Vedas: Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Purva Mimamsa, and Vedanta. Nyaya emphasizes logic and epistemology, seeking to establish the means of valid knowledge and the criteria for logical reasoning. Vaisheshika focuses on metaphysics, introducing an atomic theory of the universe. Samkhya is dualistic, distinguishing between Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter), outlining a path to liberation through discernment of their true nature. Yoga, closely related to Samkhya, emphasizes practical methods for attaining spiritual liberation, primarily through the eightfold path (Ashtanga Yoga) outlined by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. Purva Mimamsa focuses on the ritualistic and interpretative aspects of the Vedas, emphasizing the importance of performing Vedic rituals for maintaining cosmic order and attaining spiritual merit. Vedanta, building on the Upanishads, explores the nature of reality, self, and the ultimate purpose of life, with sub-schools like Advaita (non-dualism), Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism), and Dvaita (dualism) offering unique interpretations of the relationship between Brahman and Atman.

In addition to the orthodox schools, Indian philosophy also includes heterodox (Nastika) traditions that do not accept the authority of the Vedas. Prominent among these are Buddhism, Jainism, and Carvaka. Buddhism, founded by Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha), rejects the Vedic authority and introduces the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path as a means to attain Nirvana, the cessation of suffering. Jainism, founded by Mahavira, emphasizes non-violence (Ahimsa), truth, and asceticism, advocating for a path of ethical conduct, meditation, and self-discipline to achieve liberation. Carvaka is a materialistic and skeptical school that rejects supernaturalism and emphasizes empirical knowledge and sensory experience as the only means of acquiring truth.

Indian philosophy has continued to evolve, with modern thinkers like Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, and Sri Aurobindo contributing to its rich heritage. Vivekananda’s teachings emphasized the practical application of Vedantic principles in everyday life, while Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence and Satyagraha (truth-force) had profound social and political implications. Sri Aurobindo’s integral yoga sought to harmonize spiritual and worldly life, advocating for the evolution of human consciousness.

Indian philosophy is a testament to the enduring quest for knowledge and truth that has shaped not only Indian thought but also global philosophical traditions. This rich philosophical heritage continues to inspire and guide seekers on their journey towards self-realization and understanding of the cosmos.