Hindu Philosophy encompasses a rich and diverse tradition of philosophical thought that has developed over thousands of years in the Indian subcontinent. It is not a single, unified doctrine but rather a collection of various schools of thought that explore fundamental questions about existence, the nature of reality, the self, and the path to spiritual liberation. Hindu philosophy is deeply intertwined with religious practices, ethics, and metaphysics, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding the world and the human experience.

Key Schools of Hindu Philosophy:

Hindu philosophy is traditionally divided into two broad categories: Astika (orthodox) and Nastika (heterodox) schools. The Astika schools accept the authority of the Vedas, the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, while the Nastika schools do not. The following are the six major Astika schools:

Sankhya: • One of the oldest schools, Sankhya is a dualistic philosophy that distinguishes between Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter). It provides a detailed analysis of the components of reality and the process of cosmic evolution.
Yoga: • Closely related to Sankhya, Yoga focuses on the practical aspects of spiritual discipline. It is best known through the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, which outline the eightfold path (Ashtanga Yoga) for achieving self-realization and liberation (Moksha).
Nyaya: • The Nyaya school is concerned with logic and epistemology, emphasizing the methods of acquiring valid knowledge (Pramana). It provides a rigorous framework for reasoning and debate, aiming to establish the truth through logical analysis.
Vaisheshika: • A complementary system to Nyaya, Vaisheshika is a form of atomism that categorizes the components of the universe into distinct categories (Padarthas). It seeks to understand the nature of reality by analyzing substances, qualities, and their relationships.
Purva Mimamsa: • Also known simply as Mimamsa, this school focuses on the interpretation of the Vedas, particularly the ritualistic and ethical aspects of the Vedic texts. It emphasizes the importance of Dharma (moral law) and the performance of rituals as a means to achieve worldly and spiritual goals.
Vedanta: • Vedanta, or Uttara Mimamsa, is concerned with the philosophical teachings found in the latter part of the Vedas, particularly the Upanishads. It explores the nature of the self (Atman) and its relationship with the ultimate reality (Brahman). The most prominent sub-schools of Vedanta include Advaita (non-dualism), Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism), and Dvaita (dualism).

Core Concepts in Hindu Philosophy:

धर्म Dharma: • Dharma refers to the moral and ethical duties that guide an individual’s actions. It is a central concept in Hindu philosophy, governing both personal conduct and social order.
Karma: • The law of cause and effect, Karma dictates that every action has consequences that shape an individual’s present and future experiences, including the cycle of rebirth (Samsara).
Moksha: • Moksha is the ultimate goal in Hindu philosophy, representing liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth. It is the realization of the self’s true nature as identical with Brahman, leading to eternal peace and freedom from suffering.
आत्मन् Atman and ब्रह्मन् Brahman: • Atman refers to the individual soul or self, while Brahman is the ultimate, universal reality. Different schools of Hindu philosophy offer various interpretations of the relationship between Atman and Brahman, ranging from non-dualistic unity (Advaita) to dualistic separation (Dvaita).
माया Māyā: • Maya is the concept of illusion or ignorance that veils the true nature of reality. It causes individuals to perceive the world as separate and distinct from themselves, leading to attachment and suffering.

Influence and Legacy:

Hindu philosophy has profoundly influenced Indian culture, religion, and society. Its concepts and teachings have shaped various aspects of life, from personal ethics to social structure, and have been integrated into practices such as meditation, yoga, and devotional worship. Hindu philosophy also provides a foundation for other Indian philosophical traditions, including Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, while its ideas have inspired thinkers and spiritual seekers worldwide.

Hindu Lexicon