• Rooted in Vedas, focusing on Rta (cosmic order), Atman, Brahman, Dharma, Karma, and Moksha.
• Progresses from polytheism to monism in Upanishads.
• Systematized into six Darshanas (schools), each by a sage through a Sutra.
• Vyasa’s Vedanta Sutra is a critical evaluation of all Vedic philosophies.
• Collectively known as Nyaya-Sastra (scripture of philosophical debate).

The Six Schools (Sad-Darshana)

1. Nyaya – Logic
2. Vaisesika – Atomism
3. Samkhya – Dualism (matter and spirit)
4. Yoga – Self-realisation through discipline
5. Mimamsa – Ritual action and Vedic authority
6. Vedanta – Spiritual realisation of Brahman

1. Nyaya Philosophy (Logic)

• Founded by Gautama/Aksapada.
• Focus: valid knowledge (pramana) – perception, inference, analogy, testimony.
• Called Nyaya Vidya/Tarka Sastra – science of reasoning.
• Salvation through true knowledge.

2. Vaisesika Philosophy (Atomism)

• Founded by Kanada (Uluka).
• Text: Vaisesika Sutra; Commentary: Svartha Dharma Samgraha.
• Introduces concept of visesa (uniqueness).
• Emphasizes atoms (paramanu) as building blocks of matter.
• Combines materialism with theism for salvation.

3. Samkhya Philosophy (Analysis of Matter and Spirit)

• Attributed to Kapila; major text: Karaka by Isvarakrishna.
• Dualistic: Prakriti (nature) + Purusha (spirit).
• Non-theistic in origin, later accepted spiritual element.
• Liberation through real knowledge (pratyaksha, anumana, shabda).

4. Yoga Philosophy (Self-Realisation through Discipline)

• Founded by Patanjali – Ashtanga Yoga (Eightfold path).
• Allied with Samkhya.
• Emphasizes meditation, pranayama (breathing), asanas for liberation.
• Aims to unite Atman with Brahman.

5. Mimamsa Philosophy (Ritual Interpretation)

• Focuses on Vedic rituals for attaining heaven and salvation.
• Vedas are eternal truth; stresses karma kanda (ritualistic portion).
• Advocates sacrifices, reinforcing varna hierarchy.

6. Vedanta Philosophy (Spiritual Realisation of Brahman)

• Based on Upanishads, Brahma Sutra (Badarayana), Bhagavad Gita.
• Brahman = ultimate reality; world = maya (illusion).
• Atman is Brahman; realisation leads to moksha.

Three Major Schools of Vedanta

1. Advaita (Shankaracharya)
   • Non-dualism: Brahman = Atman.
   • World is illusion; only Brahman is real.
2. Vishishtadvaita (Ramanujacharya)
   • Qualified non-dualism: God with attributes.
   • Jiva is part of Brahman; self-realisation leads to eternal bliss.
3. Dvaita (Madhavacharya)
   • Dualism: God, soul, and matter are distinct.
   • Salvation through devotion (bhakti) and God’s grace.

Lokayata / Charvaka Philosophy (Materialism)

• Founded by Charvaka.
• Believed only in perception; rejected soul, God, afterlife.
• Criticized rituals and priestly class.
• Focused on pleasure and tangible experience.

Vedic Religion and Philosophy

• Involves rituals, sacrifices, hymns to natural deities.
• Central concepts: Rta, Atman-Brahman unity, Dharma, Karma.
• Laid foundation for Hinduism and its philosophical schools.