Darshanas (Indian Philosophies)
The term Darshana in Indian context means philosophy, derived from the Sanskrit root drish, meaning vision or insight into reality. Darshanas are broadly categorized into two:
- Astika (Orthodox): Those accepting the authority of the Vedas.
- Nastika (Heterodox): Those not recognizing Vedic authority.
The Six Astika (Orthodox) Darshanas – Shad Darshanas
- Nyaya – Founded by Gautama.
- Vaiseshika – Founded by Kanada.
- Sankhya – Founded by Kapila.
- Yoga – Founded by Patanjali.
- Purva Mimamsa – Founded by Jaimini.
- Uttara Mimamsa (Vedanta) – Founded by Badarayana.
Sankhya Darshana
- Meaning: Sankhya means “right knowledge or numbers,” known as the oldest orthodox system.
- Philosophy: Dualistic worldview with two eternal realities—Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter).
- Creation: Universe created through the union of Purusha and Prakriti; exists 25 tattvas (principles) including ego, mind, senses, elements.
- Sufferings:
- Adhyatmik: Sufferings from body and mind.
- Adhibhautika: From external beings.
- Adhidaivika: From supernatural causes.
- Goal: Kaivalya—liberation from all sufferings and cycle of rebirth.
- Relationship with Yoga: Yoga philosophy is practical Sankhya.
Prasthanatrayi
Three canonical texts forming the pillar of Indian philosophy:
- Upanishads (Shruti Prasthana):
- Meaning: “Sitting close” to the master to receive wisdom.
- Considered the essence of Vedic teachings (Vedanta).
- Total of 108 Upanishads; 10-11 principal including Isa, Kena, Katha, Prasna, Mundaka, Mandukya, Taittiriya, Chandogya, Brihadaranyaka.
- Notable Upanishads:
- Kathopanishad : Dialogue between Nachiketa and Yama.
- Prashnopanishad : Six questions answered by Sage Pippalada.
- Taittiriyopanishad : Lessons on happiness and holistic existence.
- Brahma Sutras (Nyaya Prasthana):
- Authored by Badarayana.
- Systematic analysis of Upanishadic teachings.
- Divided into 4 chapters and 16 sections; establishes Brahman as Supreme.
- Bhagavad Gita (Smriti Prasthana):
- Teachings by Lord Krishna to Arjuna.
- Emphasizes Bhakti, Karma, and Jnana Yoga.
- Contains 18 chapters, around 700 verses.
- Outlines yogic lifestyle principles and philosophical doctrines.
Jainism & Buddhism
- Classified as Nastika Darshanas, not accepting the Vedas.
Notable Authors and Philosophers
- Maharishi Patanjali:
- Compiler of the Yoga Sutras (195 aphorisms in 4 chapters).
- Considered avatar of Adi Shesha.
- Yoga Sutras foundational to Raja Yoga; emphasis on mental control and liberation.
- Introduced concepts of Chitta Vrittis, Abhyasa, Vairagya, Kleshas.
- Swami Swatmarama:
- Author of Hatha Yoga Pradipika (15th century).
- Defined Hatha Yoga as a system of four limbs: Asana, Pranayama, Mudras & Bandhas, Nadanusandhana.
- Emphasized self-realization as ultimate goal.
- Sage Gheranda:
- Authored Gheranda Samhita, outlining a sevenfold path of Yoga.
- Described multiple cleansing techniques (Shatkarmas), 32 asanas, and dietary guidelines.
- Lord Shiva:
- Revered as the originator of Hatha Yoga science.
- Associated with texts like the Shiva Samhita.
- Swami Vivekananda:
- Promoted Raja Yoga in the West.
- Defined Yoga as the restraint of mind modifications.
- Adi Shankaracharya:
- Philosopher of Advaita Vedanta.
- Commentator of Vedantic texts, and systematizer of non-dualism.
- Yoga Vashishtha:
- Described Yoga as calming the mind skillfully.
- Explored psychosomatic diseases through prana disturbances.
- Srinivasa Yogi:
- Writer of Hatharatnavali with detailed yogic exercises.
- Lord Gautama Buddha:
- Introduced Ashtanga Magga – the Eightfold Path.
- Others:
- Panini: Noted root of Yoga word “Yuj” meaning union and control.
- Lord Krishna: Central figure in Bhagavad Gita.
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