There are six schools of orthodox Hindu philosophies which are classified based on perspective or "Darsanas". “Shaddarshana” (six schools) is the system of Hindu philosophy which provides the essence of the real world and there is a unique methodology for attaining the elucidation of holy text as well as trustworthy knowledge. 'Darshana' is vision, an entire perspective disclosed to the inner self. In Sanskrit, the term 'philosophy' is referred to as "Thathva’.
They are Nyaya school, Vaisheshika school, Sankhya school, Yoga school, Purva Mimamsa and Uttara Mimamsa or Vedanta. Nyaya school is credited to Sage Gautama, Vaisheshika to Sage Kanada, Samkhya to Sage Kapila, Yoga to Sage Patanjali, Purva Mimamsa to Sage Jaimini and Uttara Mimamsa or Vedanta to Sage Badarayana.
The study of philosophy consists of the
facets of the following.
1. Study of fundamental nature of knowledge
2. Reality of existence (as an academic
discipline)
3. Theory acting as a guiding principle of
behaviour.
4. Search for truth and knowledge.
5. Any particular set of beliefs as a result
of the study.
6. Set of principles that serve as a basis for
making decisions.
Wisdom in Hindu philosophy is called
“Viveka” which is the distinction between good and bad, right and wrong and
noble and ignoble and come to a conclusion and that perception is called "Viveka". Philosophy as a branch speaks of the understanding of human behaviour
and how people conduct their lives in our society and what are the aspects of
human nature. Moreover, it is a quest for fundamental truth and the most basic
underlying knowledge. Truth is “Sathya” in the language Sanskrit and it is called
supreme reality or ultimate reality which is called “Brahman” in Hindu Philosophy.
To know this all-pervading Brahman is the goal of Hindu philosophy and it is
the knowledge of our own “Self”. There are two types of knowledge according to one of the Upanishads, the Mundaka Upanishad. It defines as "Dhevidhye vedhidhavye pare aparechha cha" which
means "Paravidhya" and "Aparavidhya". “Paravidhya” is the supreme consciousness”
while "Aparavidhya" is the fundamental understanding. “Aparavidhya” the
“fundamental understanding” will lead us to “Paravidhya” the “supreme consciousness”. Moreover, Aparavidhya the “fundamental understanding” will help and guide us
to recognize our own “self” regarding who is. and what is the role of my life in
this world? Consequently, self-examination of ourselves, the external world and the universe is the ultimate goal of Hindu philosophy. It was possible through
the perceptions of seers and saints who got this knowledge through
introspection and analysis of self, external world and ultimate reality. Once
we understand the relationship and when we turn inward and start meditating
our own self and about the world we will get flashes of intuition. This
inner wisdom and intuition or “Antarjnana” is called perception or "Darshana" which deals with various types of subject matter.
The subject matter of philosophies is
1. Reflection or "antarjnana"
It is the understanding, realisation and
experience within yourself.
2.Articulation or "prajna vada"
Doing wonderful and philosophical arguments in which we arrive at a conclusion. Nevertheless, it does not hold good at the time of emergencies.
3. Argument or "vada"
Agreements and disagreements will lead us to the enlightenment of theories and enlightenment of knowledge.
4. Analysis or "vishleshana"
The subject is taken to examine and study
systematically and arrive at a conclusion in analysis.
5. Synthesis or "samanvaya"
Different schools of thought are emerging to
be seemingly opposite in nature and contradictions are taken for analysis and
arrive at a synthesis.
6. Deductions or "Sankshepa" (i.e., taking
away, subtraction, derivation and conclusion by a reason). It is the arrival of
a conclusion by reasoning. It is a negation by saying that Brahman is not this
inanimate world and something else.
7. Induction (induced, initial experience,
inference of generalised conclusion from particular instance). We get
encouragement by studying the literature and thinking over it again and
contemplating it is called Nididhyasana. So this internal experience and
inference of a generalised conclusion from a particular instance that will lead
you to reality are called induction.
8. Fallacy ("Hetvabhasa" - false or mistaken
idea, often plausible argument using false or invalid inference) We tend to
think of something other than the actual picture.
9. Paradox ("Virodhabhas"- statement seemingly
contradictory or opposite to common sense yet may be true). It is the
statements of opposite and contradictory philosophies which may be proved true.
We have to understand that this world
consists of so many animate and inanimate objects and their significance. To understand ourselves and the external world and to eliminate queries and confusion, we acquire valid means of knowledge called ``
Pramanas''.
Branches of philosophy are Metaphysics and
mysticism, epistemology. ethics, aesthetics, logic, philosophy of religion and
philosophy of science.
Metaphysics and ontology:
It is the branch of philosophy that studies
the principles of things, including theoretical concepts such as being,
knowing, identity, time, and space while ontology is the branch of metaphysics
dealing with the nature of being. We all exist in this world and there are so
many animate and inanimate objects. We have to understand the coexistence and
significance of reality.
Epistemology:
It is the theory of knowledge, concerning its
methods, validity, scope, and the distinction between justified belief and
opinion. It gives unity and systems to the body of science free from
convictions, prejudices and beliefs. This valid means of knowledge is called
“Pramana”.
Ethics:
It is the morality and principle of human
beings individually and collectively for the existence of this world. Unless
and until we keep some moral values functioning in this world is impossible.
Aesthetics:
It is the philosophy of various art, nature,
taste and beauty.
Logic:
It is a systematic analysis and arriving at a
conclusion by reasoning and we can employ both inductive logic and deductive
logic.
Philosophy of religion:
It is the analysis of the main subject and
explanations embedded in religious beliefs.
Philosophy of science:
It is the branch of philosophy that deals
with the basics, procedures and involvement of science.
So if we conclude the values of philosophies
are
1. It gives food for the good of the mind as
we give it to our body for nourishment.
2. Yield knowledge (unity and system to body
of science free from conviction, prejudice, dogmas and beliefs)
3. It provides truthful answers to
fundamental questions of life and the universe.
4. It eliminates arrogant dogmatism of
difference in faith, religion, language, nationality and colour of skin and
brings broad-mindedness, tolerance and oneness.
5. Release all from tragedy, pain and
miseries.
6. Grant us philosophic contemplation and
enlightenment.
7. It provides freedom from physical and
mental actions and liberates us from all afflictions and obstacles.