Q.9 Explain orthodox schools of Indian philosophy.
Ans:
Indian Philosophical Schools –
Samkhya System
- Dualistic philosophy: Reality is made of Prakriti (female, matter) and Purusha (male, consciousness).
- Prakriti: Composed of three attributes – thought, movement, change.
- Purusha: Pure consciousness, unchanging.
- Creation: Interaction of Prakriti and Purusha.
- Founder: Kapila (Samkhya Sutra).
- Example: Modern example – Yoga and meditation practices for mental balance align with Samkhya’s mind-matter dualism.
Yoga
- Meaning: Union of Purusha and Prakriti.
- Text: Yogasutra by Patanjali (2nd century BC).
- Aim: Liberation through self-control and discipline.
- 8 Steps: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharna, Dhyana, Samadhi.
- God: A guide in achieving Mukti.
- Example: International Yoga Day celebrated worldwide promotes Yoga for mental and physical well-being.
Nyaya
- Logic-based system: Emphasizes valid knowledge through reasoning.
- Valid knowledge: Knowing an object as it is (e.g., snake as snake).
- God: Creator, sustainer, destroyer.
- Founder: Gautama (Nyaya Sutras).
- Example: Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems use logical algorithms, much like Nyaya’s logical reasoning.
Vaisheshika
- Realistic philosophy: Universe made of five elements – earth, water, air, fire, ether.
- Categories: Substance, attribute, action, genus, distinct quality, inherence.
- Atomic theory: Atoms combine to form matter.
- Founder: Kanada.
- Example: Modern atomic theory in physics aligns with Vaisheshika’s atomic concept.
Mimamsa
- Vedic interpretation: Focuses on rituals, duties, and Vedic texts.
- Vedas: Eternal source of knowledge.
- Dharma: Law of righteousness, fruits of actions.
- Founder: Jaimini (Mimamsa Sutras).
- Example: Present-day Hindu rituals performed during festivals reflect Mimamsa’s emphasis on Vedic duties.
Vedanta
- Non-dualism: Ultimate reality is one – Brahman.
- Key Beliefs: Brahman is true, world is illusion, self is Brahman.
- Main Scholars: Shankaracharya (Advaita Vedanta), Ramanuja (Vishishtadvaita).
- Vedanta: Philosophy of Upanishads, ultimate knowledge through intellect.
- Example: Swami Vivekananda’s teachings on universal brotherhood reflect Vedanta’s core message of unity and spirituality.
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| Extra Info : Heterodox School of Indian Philosophy Buddhist philosophyJain philosophyCharvaka School or Lokayata philosophyAjivika PhilosophyAjnana Philosophy |