Indian has very old and long history of knowledge and wisdom. We always tried to look outside for new things but we never ignored the inner world. Exploring the inner side is the foundation of the Indian Philosophy Darshana. Our sages did intense Sadhana to uncover the reality and get the answer of all the questions related to our existence.
What is Philosophy?
Western Philosophical thoughts known as the ‘Philosophy.’ This term is derived from the combination of two Greek words – ‘philos,’ meaning love or affection, and ‘sophia,’ meaning wisdom. Hence, the term ‘Philosophy’ signifies the love for wisdom. Its broad and complex field of study that explores fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind and language. It was of thinking critically and systematically about the world and our place init.
The seeker of the Philosophy, who are engaged in the search of the meaning of life, God, creation, religious principles are called philosophers.
What is Darshana?
The term ‘darshan’ originates from the root meaning ‘to see the essence through this is darshan’, “Drushyate tatvam anena iti darshanam”. It refers to seeing the true metaphysical nature of an object.
Ultimate Goal of the Darshana
To understand the nature of reality is the primary goal of the Darshan. Who we are? Why w are here? What is the origin? Why creation happened? What is consciousness? to answers of all such a questions is the goal, Darshan?
Core difference between Western Philosophy and Indian Darshana
A Darshana is a Spiritual perception, a whole view revealed to the soul sense. This soul sight is only possible when and where philosophy is lived. Darshans are the journey to our inner world. This world was realized by the sages from their Sadhana, now they can see everything in its purest from. Western philosophy is the journey of the outer world, that yet to be proved. It is mainly focusing on logic, ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and political philosophy. It tends to emphasize individualism, rationality, and empirical evidence.
Types of Darshanas
There are total nine Darshans. From which 6 are considered as the Astik Darshan means who accept the authority of the Vedas and three are considered as the Nastik Darshan does not accept Vedas.
All Darshans have the one common goal, to free from the Sufferings and achieve the state of the highest happiness. All nine Darshans interprets Soul and Surroundings differently and gives us the Path to achieve the highest state.
Astik Darshanas
1. Nyaya Darshan
Path : Logic and epistemology.
Goal : Gaining the Valid knowledge is the Liberation.
2. Vaisheshika Darshan
Path : Meta physics and atomism
Goal : In Vaisheshika philosophy, studying atomism (the nature of atoms and their combinations) is a path to liberation (moksha) because it leads to a correct understanding of reality, which removes ignorance, the root cause of suffering and rebirth. By understanding the fundamental building blocks of the universe (atoms) and how they combine, one gains insight into the nature of existence, including the self and the material world. This knowledge, in turn, helps one detach from worldly desires and attachments, ultimately leading to liberation from the cycle of suffering.
3. Samkhya Darshan
Path : identify the dualistic nature of existence. Prusha (Consiousness) and Prakriti(Nature)
Goal : Samkhya’s ultimate goal is to realize the distinction between Purusha and Prakriti, leading to liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth.
4. Yoga Darshan
Path: Cessaion of mental fluctuations and the realization of one’s true nature.
Goal : Samkhya’s ultimate goal is to realize the distinction between Purusha and Prakriti, leading to liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth.
5. Mimamsa Darshan
Path : Follow the knowledge from the Upanishads – the philosophical sections of Vedas.
Goal : Understand the true nature of Self(Atman)
6. Vedant Darshan
Vedanta Philosophy has major three subschools:
Advaita Vedanta
Ultimate Reality is one. Atman and Brahman are one and only.
Through knowledge we realize the Atman is not different then Brahman.
Vishishtadvaita:
Unlike Advaita Vedanta, which sees the individual soul as identical to Brahman, Vishishtadvaita views the soul as a part or attribute of Brahman, like a spark from a flame.
Dvaita
Brahman is the ultimate reality, the independent and unchanging entity, while everything else is dependent on it. To know this Brahman is the ultimate goal of the Dvaita.
Nastik Darshans
1. Charvak Darshan
Path: Follow Dharma, Gain Artha and Fultill your all kama
Goal: Charvak only believes in the Physical exteance, Consiousness is the attribute of the Body. Only by death you can be free from all the sussferings of the World.
2. Jain Darshan
Path: Gain the right knowledge, right conduct and the right belief through Asceticism, non-violence (Ahimsa), and self-control.
Jains believe that the soul is bound by karmas, which are subtle particles that accumulate due to actions, thoughts, and intentions.
Goal : Achieve the ultimate state of Nirvana characterized by infinite knowledge, infinite perception, infinite bliss, and infinite power.
3. Baudhdha Darshan
Path : Follow the Four noble truths and eight fold path.
Goal : Attachment is the cause of suffering. extinguishing all desires lead to the Moksha.
Conclusion
Indian Darshans are very vast and deep. It is not mere book knowledge, but the insights and realizations Indian sages achieved through intense penance and tapasya. The knowledge in the Darshans is not merely speculation and theories made by experts, but the reality experienced by the sages. All questions related to our existence and the universe’s existence are answered in Indian Darshans. It gives us the realization that whatever we are searching for outside already exists inside us; we just need to uncover it, layer by layer.
Despite all eight Darshans following different paths and methods, all of them have one and the same goal: the cessation of suffering and realizing our true nature, which is ultimate bliss. If you also want to take a deep dive inside yourself and uncover the truth that resides in you, Indian Darshans is the path you should start walking on.