Darshanas

The term "twelve darsanas" most commonly refers to the six systems of Hindu philosophy (Shad-Darsana) and the six corresponding non-Hindu philosophies often associated with them. The six Hindu schools are Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, and Vedanta. The six non-Hindu schools are generally understood to include the Buddhist and Jain philosophies, along with various sub-schools and traditions. 

The Six Hindu Darsanas (Shad-Darsana): 

1. Nyaya:Focuses on logic and epistemology, with a strong emphasis on valid reasoning and Pramanas (sources of knowledge).

2. Vaisheshika:Deals with metaphysics, particularly the nature of reality and the categories of existence. It proposes a theory of atoms and their combinations to explain the physical world.

3. Samkhya:A dualistic philosophy that posits two ultimate realities: Purusha(consciousness) and Prakriti(matter/nature).

4. Yoga:Emphasizes the practice of meditation and self-discipline to achieve liberation (moksha), closely related to Samkhya philosophy.

5. Purva Mimamsa:Primarily focuses on the interpretation of the Vedas, particularly the ritualistic portions, and the nature of dharma (duty).

6. Vedanta:Deals with the philosophical interpretations of the Upanishads, exploring the nature of Brahman (ultimate reality) and its relationship to the individual self (Atman). 

   
   
   
   

Six Non-Hindu Darsanas: 

While not always explicitly listed as twelve, the Buddhist and Jain philosophies are often included in discussions of Indian philosophy, along with various schools and sub-schools within them. These include: 

-Buddhism:With its core tenets of impermanence, suffering, and non-self, Buddhism offers various schools of thought, including the Theravada,Mahayana, and Vairayanatraditions. 

-Jainism:Emphasizes non-violence (Ahimsa), anekantavada (many-sidedness of reality), and the liberation of the soul through self-discipline and ascetic practices. -Charvaka materialist school: diverged from the Vedic tradition of the orthodox āstika schools (Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimamsa, and Vedanta).

The term "Darsana" can also refer to the act of seeing, vision, or a particular school of thought or philosophical system, according to Wisdom Library.