Hindu Philosophy

Synopsis of Hindu Philosophy

Read more about Hindu philosophy, six schools of Hindu philosophy, Indian philosophy, Shatdarshana, astika darshana, Vedic philosophy, schools of Indian thought, core concepts of Hinduism, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Advaita Vedanta, Dharma, Moksha, Karma, Samkhya, Yoga Sutras, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimamsa, Samsara, Atman, Brahman

Hindu philosophy encompasses the vast, evolving intellectual traditions of metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and liberation that originated across the Indian subcontinent.

Rooted in the sacred literature of the Vedas and Upanishads, Hindu thought explores the nature of ultimate reality (Brahman), the individual self (Atman), the mechanics of existence (Karma and Samsara), and the ultimate goal of human life—spiritual liberation (Moksha).

Systematised over millennia, classical Hindu philosophy is traditionally categorised into six orthodox (astika) systems, known collectively as the Shatdarshana:

• Nyaya: The school of logic, epistemology, and valid reasoning.
• Vaisheshika: The school of metaphysics and natural philosophy, famous for its early atomic theory.
• Samkhya: The dualistic framework proposing two eternal realities: consciousness (Purusha) and matter (Prakriti).
• Yoga: The practical discipline of mental control, meditation, and self-realisation grounded in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.
• Mimamsa (Purva Mimamsa): The ritualistic hermeneutic tradition focused on the precise execution and duties outlined in the Vedas.
• Vedanta (Uttara Mimamsa): The philosophical culmination of the Upanishads, giving rise to diverse sub-schools such as Advaita (non-dualism), Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism), and Dvaita (dualism).

Unifying these varied traditions is a shared focus on the four primary goals of human life (Purusharthas): Dharma (cosmic and moral order), Artha (wealth and prosperity), Kama (desire and pleasure), and Moksha (liberation).

Rather than demanding rigid dogma, Hindu philosophy operates as a dynamic, contemplative framework designed to lead the seeker from ignorance to ultimate self-realisation and truth.