Darshana

Freedom of thought and inquiry is understood and appreciated by all of us. Traditional framework encourages inquiry in the pursuit of truth. While exploring the nature of the ultimate truth, it is possible that there could be many view points. Six Darshanas are different viewpoints of the reality.

Darshana literally means view. There are six Darshanas, all of them accepting the authority of Vedas. Sankhya, taught by Sage Kapila, Yoga, by Pantanjali, Nyaya by Gautama, Vaisheshika by Kanada, Mimamsa by Jaimini and Vedanta by Vyasa are the six Darshans.

Sankhya comes from samyag akhyate, which literally means that which explains the whole. Its teachings are about Isvara, Guna, Karma, rebirth and so on. It explains the origin and interrelationship of Isvara, Jeeva and the matter. Ashtanga yoga (eight limbs of Yoga) is meant for reaching "Kaivalya" (freedom). This is the experience of one's innermost being or soul as the Purusha. When this level of awareness is achieved, one becomes free of the chains of cause and effect (Karma) which bind us to continual reincarnation. Yoga must be practiced and refined in a particular order to perceive the true self. It is a step by step procedure to attain realization and direct experience of the truths. Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dhyana, Dharana, Samadhi are the eight limbs of Yoga. Nyaya teaches that supreme happiness is attained by the knowledge about the true nature of the sixteen categories which includes means of right knowledge, object of right knowledge, doubt, purpose among others. It deals with logic, the process of reasoning. Doubt is a prerequisite for philosophical inquiry. Nyaya literally means that by which the mind is led to a conclusion. Nyaya is the science of right or just reasoning. It is, in a wider sense, the science of demonstration or correct knowledge (pramana sastra). The nature of knowledge as valid or invalid depends on the pramana. By means of the pramanas we are led to a right apprehension of objects and are enabled to test the validity of knowledge. The valid knowledge is the only way to gain release from suffering. Navya-Nyaya provides logical proofs for the existence and uniqueness of Ishvara. Vaisheshika attempts to attain supreme good through the knowledge of the essence of predicables, substance, attribute, action, genus, species, and combination, by means of their resemblances and differences. It explores the elements of earth, water, fire, air and space, as well as time, mind and soul. It is widely regarded as “atomism” or Physics of the Sanatana Dharma. It explains the objects in the physical universe by reducing them to atoms, and Brahman is regarded as the fundamental force that causes consciousness in these atoms. Mimamsa (Purva Mimasa) pursues freedom through action. It has a detailed philosophy related to ritual, worship and ethical conduct. It describes the yajnas, homa, havana, and other rituals of Brahmanas for sustaining all the activities of the universe. Vedanta (Uttara Mimamsa) provides contemplative methods of self-inquiry leading to the realization of one's true nature, that which is not subject to death, decay, or decomposition. It contemplates on Brahman on the basis of Updanishads.[7]

Darshanas are not independent philosophies in isolation. They are not six overlapping and still non converging view points about Hindu philosophy. On the other hand, each one of them supports other Darshanas. Together, they teach the ancient science including Dharma and its intricacies. Sankhya - Yoga incorporates Nyaya - Vaisheshika teachings. The debates about Dharma and its various related topics, expositions and commentaries on scriptures are based on all of the Darshanas. Nyaya is employed for logical deductions of conclusions and Mimamsa is used for achieving specific objectives and meeting the ends. Yoga is a practical guide of various teachings of Sankhya and Vedanta.

Observation: Sanatana system has adopted a dynamic tradition of honest and bold exploration of truth in a free and fair eco system.