Schools Of Indian Philosophy: Orthodox Schools & Sub-Schools Of Vedanta

Introduction

Philosophy arose in India as an inquiry into the mystery of life and existence. It was during the later Vedic period that definite ideas and philosophies about the true nature of soul or Atman and the cosmic principle or Brahman (represented the ultimate reality) were developed.

Philosophy and Religion

• Philosophy provided a correct view of reality, while religion showed the correct way of life.
• Philosophy was the theory, and religion was the practice. 
  • Thus in ancient India, philosophy and religion complement each other.

Orthodox Schools of Philosophy

• This school believed that Vedas were the Supreme revealed scripture that hold the secrets to salvation. 
• They did not question the authenticity of the Vedas.
• They had six sub schools that were called the Shada Darshana.

Sub-Schools of Vedanta

• Shankaracharya (Advaita Vedanta)/ Monism or Non-Dualism – He considers Brahm to be without any attributes. 
• The goal in Advaita is to gain self knowledge and complete understanding of Atman and Brahman. 
• He considers knowledge or Gyan of Atman and Brahman leads to liberation.
• Ramanujan (Vishistadvaita)/ Qualified Monism or Qualified  Non-Dualism  – He considers Brahm to possess certain attributes. 
• He considers loving the faith and practising devotion as the path to attain salvation. 
• Ramanuja differs from Sankara only a little in the sense that he considers the ji – va or the individual soul as the entity different from the body and is infinite in number and cannot be one with the Supreme as long as it is confined in a body
• Madhavacharya (Dvaita)/ Dualism – It stands in opposition to the non-dualism and monism of Shankaracharya. 
• He believed that the world is not an illusion (maya) but a reality full of differences and there is difference between Atman and Brahman.  
• He says that the jivas or the souls can attain liberation through bhakti and the grace of God.
• Nimbarka (Dvaitadvaita)/ Differential Monism or Dualism Non-Dualism – He believes that God transformed himself into the world and soul. 
• This world and soul are different from God (Brahman). 
• They could survive with the support of God only. 
• They are separate but dependent.
• Vallabhacharya (Suddhadvaita)/ Pure Non-Dualism – He wrote commentaries on Vedanta Sutra and Bhagavad Gita. 
• For him, Brahman (God) was Sri Krishna, who manifested himself as soul and matter. 
• God and soul are not distinct, but one. 
• The stress was on pure non-dualism. 
• His philosophy came to be known as Pushtimarg (the path of grace) and the school was called Rudrasampradaya.

Conclusion

• The rich tapestry of Indian philosophical schools reflects the profound exploration of the human condition and the nature of reality. 
  • Through dialectical debates, meditative insights, and profound metaphysical inquiries, these schools continue to inspire seekers and scholars worldwide, offering timeless wisdom for understanding existence.