By Victor M Fontane
Nyaya: The term ‘Nyaya’ means “justice,” “rules,” “method,” or “judgment” The founder of the school was thought to be Gautama, who is also identified as the author of Nyaya Sutra. This school of thought was of the view that logical reasoning is the key to achieving salvation. They considered that achievement of Knowledge can lead to breaking away from the cycle of birth and rebirth and hence salvation. Further, Nyaya Sutras say that Knowledge can be achieved through four means: perception, inference, comparison, and verbal testimony, and inference, hearing, and analogy can be utilized to verify the Truth. This school of thought was of the view that God not only created the universe but also sustained and destroyed it. This school of thought is arguably the closest Indian equivalent to contemporary Western analytical philosophy.
Sankhya: It is the oldest of the orthodox philosophical systems in Hinduism, and it teaches us that everything was born from Purusha (conscious energy, soul, mind, etc.) and Prakriti (cosmic material ). This school of thought traces its origin to Kapil Muni, who is supposed to be the author of the Samkhya Sutra. The word Samkhya literally means ‘count’. The school developed in two stages: the initial view and the Original view. This school argued that salvation could be attained through the acquisition of Knowledge because lack of Knowledge is the root cause of misery. Knowledge can be acquired through three means: Pratyaksha (perception), Anumana (Inference), and Shadda (hearing). The school believed in the concept of dualism or dvaitavada. This school is famous for its scientific system of inquiry. It further establishes the relationship between Purusha and Prakriti and argues that they are absolute and independent. Where Purusha is said to possess the attributes of a man, Prakriti attributes are closer to women. This school of thought forms the basis for Advaita Vedanta.
Yoga: The Yoga Philosophy originated from the Yogasutra of Patanjali. The word Yoga literally means the union of two major entities. This school of thought argued that salvation could be achieved by combining meditation and the physical application of yogic techniques. Yoga schools favour the application of yogic practices as they help humans to control their minds, body, and postures. The physical aspect of this school deals with exercises termed asanas. Apart from asanas, there are other means to achieve salvation, like Yama (practicing self-control), Niyama (Observation of rules governing one’s life), and Pratyahara (Choosing an object), among others. This school of school believes in the existence of God as a guide, mentor, and teacher.
There are various practices within Hinduism, but the majority follow one of four main paths (margs). Since these four margs are aimed at union (with God), they are also referred to as "yogas." They are as follows:
Karma-yoga (the path of action)
Jnana-yoga (the path of Knowledge)
Raja (ashtanga) yoga (the path of meditation)
Bhakti-Yoga (the path of devotion)
Vaisheshika: The Vaisheshika school traces its origin to Kanada, who wrote the basic text governing the philosophy. This school of philosophy is considered to be realistic and objective. It lays emphasis on the Universality of the Universe. The main elements are fire, air, water, earth, and ether (sky). These materials are collectively called Dravya. This school also developed the atomic theory and was also responsible for the development of physics in the Indian subcontinent. The Vaisheshika school is the propounder of the mechanical process of the formation of the universe. Moreover, though the school was in favour of scientific thought, it did not deny the existence of God and considered him to be the guiding principle. It also believed in the laws of Karma and considered them to be the principal laws guiding this universe. It also argued that the achievement of salvation is equal to the creation and destruction of the universe.
Purva Mimamsa: The word Mimamsa literally means the art of reasoning, interpretation, and application. The origin of this philosophy is traced to the Sutras of Jamini, composed in the 3rd century BC. The developments in the philosophy can be attributed to Sabar Swami and Kumarila Bhatta. This school of thought was of the view that salvation could be achieved through performing rituals. However, it is important to understand the reasoning behind these rituals. It laid emphasis on the laws of Karma and argued that a person’s actions are responsible for his sufferings/ happiness in his life. Breaking away from the cycle of salvation requires the achievement of salvation. Moreover, this school legitimized social distance between various classes by asserting that the performance of rituals would lead to the attainment of salvation. The performance of rituals would need the assistance of priests as humans did not understand the rituals properly.
Uttara Mimamsa (Vedanta Philosophy): Uttara Mimamsa, also known as the Vedanta school of philosophy, is a Hindu philosophy. It focuses on understanding the nature of reality and the self. It explores the Upanishads, which are considered the concluding portions of the Vedas. Uttara Mimamsa emphasizes the concept of Brahman as the ultimate reality. It investigates the relationship between Brahman and the individual self (Atman). The philosophy highlights the study and interpretation of scriptures. It regards them as a means to attain self-realization and liberation. Adi Shankara, Ramanuja, and Madhvacharya have contributed to this philosophical tradition.
Comentários