Introduction to Vedas and Vedanta - Part 5

Darshana - the schools of Hindu religious philosophy

Hindu sages developed six different systems of philosophy, called Darshanas, at different periods of time. 

All the six systems are written in aphorisms (sutras). These six systems of philosophy are:

The Sankhya School

Sage Kapila founded this school. This is the oldest system and finds a mention in the Bhagwad Gita. It starts with the proposition that the world is full of three kinds of miseries.    

The Yoga School

Sage Patanjali founded this school. The doctrines of this school resemble those of the Sankhya School. 

The Sankhya School believes in twenty-five principles, which are also accepted by the Yoga School. However, the twenty-sixth principle, that of God  (Purushottama as mentioned in B Gita), is rejected by the Sankhya School, but is accorded great importance in the Yoga School. 

The Nyaya School

This school was founded by sage Gautama (not same as Gautama Buddha). Nyaya is defined as examining the Absolute principle using various proofs.

This school has acquired the name of Nyaya Darshan because it contains the description of the form of proofs and the general nature of examination of the proofs and is similar to the Greek philosophy of Aristotle. 

The Vaisheshika School

Sage Kanada founded this school. Vaiseshika philosophy believes that the world is created from the atoms of earth, water, fire and air. Thus, the Vaiseshika School is a very materialistic school.

The Mimansas

The Mimansas are defined as the “decision of principles after contemplation”. Mimansas are thus those texts that decide the meaning of Vedic mantras by surpassing the contradictions from among mutually contradictory Vedic mantras. 

The Purva Mimansa School

Sage Jaimini founded this school. The Purva Mimansa philosophy deals with the Samhitas and Brahmanas. The Shrutis are divided into two categories - the stage of ritualistic worship (karmakand) and the stage of spiritual knowledge (Gyanakand). Since ritualistic worship is the first part of the Vedas it is called the Purva (pre) Mimansa.

The Uttar Mimansa or the Vedanta School

This school was founded by sage Vyasa. The Sanskrit word “Uttar” means – post. Since the stage of spiritual knowledge is the final stage of the Vedas, the Vedanta it is known as the Uttar (post) Mimansa. 

This school envisages the ultimate culmination of the Darshanik school of thought and philosophy. 

Love.

“Embodiments of Love, Students!

Whatever you have learnt here, share it with others. It is not enough if you share it with others, you too should put your knowledge into practice and derive benefit therefrom. We prepare many delicious items at home and serve them to the guests. Is it not necessary that we should also partake of them?

Likewise, we should digest the Vedic knowledge we have acquired and also share it with others. All types of knowledge have originated from the Vēdas. That is why the Vēda is extolled as sarva vijñāna sampatti (the treasure chest of knowledge). But unfortunately, we are not making proper use of such a treasure. Share your knowledge to the extent you have acquired. Never forget what you have learnt. With sincere effort, you will certainly be able to attain sākṣhātkāra. Those of you who wish to have the vision of God should digest the Vedic wisdom you have acquired and share it with others.”

Bhagavān Sri Sathya Sai Baba – Discourse on 19 October 2004