Systems of Indian Philosophy

• ISBN: 9788177558876
• Volumes: Set in 2 Volumes
• Author: Subodh Kapoor
• Pages: 700 pp
• Year of Publishing: 2004
• Binding: Hardbound
• Publisher: Cosmo Publications

Description:
Traditionally, six schools of thought propagated Vedic wisdom, each from a different philosophical perspective. Each of these perspectives or darshanas is associated with a famous sage who is the author of a sutra (code) expressing the essence of his darshana.
The sad-darshana (six philosophical views) are:
• Nyaya (logic)
• Vaisesika (atomic theory)
• Sankhya (analysis of matter and spirit)
• Yoga (the discipline of self-realization)
• Karma-mimamsa (science of fruitive work)
• Vedanta (science of God realization)

The sad-darshanas are termed astika philosophies (from asti, or “it is so”), because they all acknowledge the Veda as authoritative. Beginning with nyaya, each of the sad-darshanas in their own turn presents a more developed and comprehensive explanation of the aspects of Vedic knowledge.
• Nyaya sets up the rules of philosophical debate and identifies the basic subjects under discussion: the physical world, the soul, God, and liberation.
• Vaisesika engages the method of nyaya or logic in a deeper analysis of the predicament of material existence by showing that the visible material forms to which we are all so attached ultimately break down into invisible atoms.
• Sankhya develops this analytical process further to help the soul become aloof from matter.
• Yoga helps the soul awaken its innate spiritual vision to see itself beyond the body.
• Karma-mimamsa directs the soul to the goals of Vedic ritualism.
• Vedanta focuses on the supreme spiritual goal taught in the Upanisads.