The six schools of Vedic thought, collectively known as the Śad-Darśanas (six insights/views), are the orthodox systems of ancient Indian philosophy. They are classified as Āstika because they accept the ultimate authority of the Vedas. Traditionally, these six schools are grouped into three pairs of complementary systems that map out logic, physical reality, and spiritual realization.
1. Nyāya (School of Logic)
- Founder: Sage Gautama.
- Core Philosophy: Focuses on logic, epistemology, and the rules of reasoning. It argues that obtaining valid knowledge (pramāṇa) is the only way to gain release from human suffering. Its tools of analysis were so robust they were adopted by all other philosophical schools.
2. Vaiśeṣika (School of Atomism)
- Founder: Sage Kaṇāda.
- Core Philosophy: A naturalistic and atomistic system. It posits that all physical objects in the universe are reducible to paramāṇu (indestructible atoms). The school classifies everything that exists into distinct structural categories to explain how the universe functions under natural laws.
3. Sāṃkhya (School of Dualism)
- Founder: Sage Kapila.
- Core Philosophy: A strongly dualistic and analytical framework. It views reality as an interplay between two eternal principles: Purusha (pure, unattached consciousness) and Prakriti (matter, nature, and energy). Liberation happens when the soul completely detaches its identity from the material world.
4. Yoga (School of Practice)
- Founder: Sage Patanjali.
- Core Philosophy: The practical application of Sāṃkhya metaphysics. While Sāṃkhya provides the theoretical map of consciousness, Yoga provides the physical and mental discipline needed to experience it. It relies heavily on the Ashtanga (Eight-Fold) Path—including meditation and concentration—to quiet the mind and achieve liberation (Moksha).
5. Mīmāṃsā / Pūrva Mīmāṃsā (School of Ritual Exegesis)
- Founder: Sage Jaimini.
- Core Philosophy: Focuses on dharmic duty and ritual perfection. It provides the rules for interpreting the early, ritualistic sections of the Vedas (the Samhitas and Brahmanas). The school asserts that the steady, precise execution of Vedic rituals is what preserves cosmic order and leads to salvation.
6. Vedānta / Uttara Mīmāṃsā (School of Ultimate Truth)
- Founder: Sage Bādarāyaṇa (Vyāsa).
- Core Philosophy: Focuses on the philosophical teachings of the Upanishads, which form the end (“anta”) of the Vedas. It explores the metaphysical relationship between Atman (the individual soul) and Brahman (the ultimate reality). This school eventually branch-evolved into major sub-traditions like Advaita (non-dualism) and Dvaita (dualism).
It is important to note that these six schools are from ancient Indian philosophy which roughly dates back at least 2,000 years, if not more. We are particularly concerned with the Vedanta School and its two major sub-traditions of Advaita (non-dualism) and Dvaita (dualism). In tomorrow’s writings we will discuss the 16th Century philosophy of Achintya bheda abheda tattva…