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Philosophy (Darshanas)
The six orthodox schools (Shad Darshanas) of Indian philosophical thought — a sophisticated system of enquiry covering logic, metaphysics, ethics, and the nature of reality.
Nyaya
Founded by: Gautama
Logic · Epistemology · Debate
The school of logic and epistemology. Nyaya provides a rigorous framework for valid reasoning (pramanas), argumentation, and the pursuit of truth through debate.
Vaisheshika
Founded by: Kanada
Atomism · Metaphysics · Categories
Atomistic naturalism — one of the earliest atomic theories in history. Vaisheshika classifies all reality into six (later seven) categories (padarthas) and proposes that the universe is made of indivisible atoms (paramanu).
Samkhya
Founded by: Kapila
Dualism · Consciousness · Evolution
Dualistic enumeration philosophy distinguishing Purusha (consciousness) from Prakriti (matter). It identifies 25 tattvas (principles) that constitute all of reality.
Yoga
Founded by: Patanjali
Practice · Ashtanga · Liberation
The practical discipline of mind-body mastery. Building on Samkhya metaphysics, Yoga provides an eight-limbed (ashtanga) path for spiritual liberation through systematic practice.
Purva Mimamsa
Founded by: Jaimini
Ritual · Dharma · Hermeneutics
The philosophy of ritual hermeneutics, focusing on dharma as revealed through Vedic injunctions. It developed sophisticated tools for textual interpretation still used in Indian jurisprudence.
Vedanta
Founded by: Badarayana
Brahman · Atman · Reality
The culmination of Vedic thought, exploring the nature of Brahman (ultimate reality), Atman (self), and the relationship between them. Major sub-schools include Advaita, Vishishtadvaita, and Dvaita.