Indian Ddarshanas

Indian darshanas are the six main orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy—Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, and Vedanta—which offer distinct "visions" or perspectives on reality and how to achieve liberation from ignorance. The word "darshana" itself means "to see" or "to view" and refers to the philosophical systems' unique ways of understanding the sacred and the nature of existence, with roots in the Vedas. 

The Six Orthodox Darshanas

These schools are considered "astika," meaning they accept the authority of the Vedas. 

• Nyaya:

  
  

  Focuses on logic and the different means of acquiring knowledge (perception, inference, comparison, and verbal testimony) to establish truth. 

• Vaisheshika:

  
  

  A naturalistic and metaphysical system that categorizes reality into fundamental "padarthas" (categories of being) and posits that all physical objects are composed of atoms. 

• Samkhya:

  
  

  Explores the nature of creation, often studied with Yoga due to their complementary views on the cosmic order and the individual's role within it. 

• Yoga:

  
  

  A philosophical and practical system, associated with Patanjali, that provides spiritual and physical techniques (like asanas) to calm the mind and achieve spiritual liberation. 

• Mimamsa(Purva Mimamsa):

  
  

  Deals with the performance of Vedic rituals and the understanding of liturgical texts. 

• Vedanta (Uttara Mimamsa):

  
  

  Focuses on the philosophical teachings of the Upanishads, exploring the nature of the ultimate reality (Brahman) and the individual soul (Atman). 

Key Aspects of Darshanas

• Rooted in the Vedas:

  
  

  All these philosophies have their origins in the foundational sacred texts of Hinduism. 

• Goal of Liberation:

  
  

  Each system provides a framework for understanding life and achieving liberation from suffering and ignorance. 

• Complementary Perspectives:

  
  

  The darshanas offer different, yet sometimes overlapping, paths to understanding the ultimate reality.