Hindu Philosophy

Hindu philosophy can be defined as ‘the philosophical speculations and systems of India that have their roots in Hinduism’. Hinduism refers to the religious values and practices of the Indians. Hinduism is well known worldwide as it is one of the oldest living religions in the world. It is distinctive among all the other religions of the world and has gradually grown over millions of years. Innumerable sects and well-defined ecclesiastical organization make the backdrop of Hinduism and its two features are the caste system and the Vedas.

Around the Upanishad era i.e. around 900 to 500 B.C., Hindu philosophy was initiated. But, elaborate and systematic Hindu philosophical definitions did not appear until many decades. Later,the philosophy was presented in the form of ‘aphorisms’ or ‘sutras’. These philosophies were defined in a crystal clear and concise manner. Indeed, the history of Hindu philosophy can be segregated into three subdivisions that are actually overlapping each other. These are:

• Non-systematic Hindu Philosophy—started around Second millennia B.C.E.
• Systematic Hindu Philosophy—started around First millennia B.C.E.
• Neo-Hindu Philosophy—started around 19th century C.E.

The non-systematic Hindu philosophy was based on

• The four Vedas—the Rig Veda?, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda. It also includes Karma Kanda or Action Section of the Vedas, Knowledge Section of the Vedas and Jñana Kanda.
• Secondary Texts called Smriti Literature. It also includes Itihaas or history, Bhagvad Gita, Puranas and Dharmasastra.

The systematic Hindu philosophy was based on ‘the darshanas’ or ‘the vision’ i.e. the six schools of Hindu philosophy. These schools accepted the authority of the Veda, but their philosophical positions are different. Hence, these schools are in constant competition with each other as well as with the heterodox schools that entirely rejected the authority of the Vedas, Buddhism, Jainism, the Ajivikas or skeptics, and the materialist Carvaka School. These schools are:

• Nyaya,
• Vaises?ika,
• San?khya,
• Yoga,
• Purvamimam?sa
• Vedanta.

According to some eminent historians, “the term “Hindu philosophy” stands for the collection of philosophical views that share a textual connection to certain core Hindu religious texts (the Vedas), and they do not identify with a particular comprehensive philosophical doctrine”. Thus, to sum up, Hindu philosophy does not include the doctrines of religious texts but also contains philosophies of the Hindu School.

In recent times, Hindu philosophy has evolved into “Neo-Hinduism”. It can be put forth as “an Indian response to the perceived sectarianism and scientism of the West”. Thus, we find that there is an age-old and extensive history of Hindu philosophy that dates back to 2nd millennia B.C.E.

Celebrationsonnet offers you a brief introduction to the Hindu philosophy. There is lot more to know, so, stay connected.