Orthodox Schools of Philosophy

Question 1

Samkhya

Answer 1

Propounded by: KAPILA. (He also wrote the Samkhya sutra)
z It holds that reality is constituted of two principles:
1. Purusha (male) is mere consciousness and cannot be modified or changed.
2. Prakriti (female) is constituted of three attributes, Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. Prakrti is a state
of equilibrium of these three gunas.
z It explains the creation of the universe through Purusha and Prakriti.
z It believes in Dvaitavada (or Dualism), i.e. the soul and the matter are separate entities.
z It denies the existence of God. However, the rebirth and transmigration of the soul are
inherent in this school.
z It holds that self-knowledge leads to liberation.[UPSC 2013]

Question 2

Yoga

Answer 2

Propounded by: PATANJALI (he also wrote the Yogasutra, 2nd century BC).
z Yoga literally means the Union of the two principal entities.
z Yogic techniques control the body, mind and sense organs and yogic philosophy is considered a
means of achieving freedom or mukti.
z This freedom could be attained by: Yama: Self control; Niyama: Observation of rules; Asana:
Fixed postures; Pranayama: Breath control; Pratyahara: control his/her sense organs for not
being attracted by worldly objects.; Dharma: Fixing the mind; Dhyana: Concentrating on the
chosen object.; Samadhi: Merging of the mind and the object.
z Yoga admits the existence of God as a teacher and guide.

Question 3

Nyaya

Answer 3

Propounded by: GAUTAMA (He is the author of the Nyaya Sutras).
z It believes in the technique of logical thinking to achieve salvation.
z This philosophy considers God as one who creates, sustains and destroys the universe.

Question 4

Vaisheshika

Answer 4

Propounded by: KANADA
z It uses the atomic theory i.e. the combination of atoms and molecules into matter, to explain
the process of formation of the Universe.
z It believes that all objects of the universe are composed of five elements: earth, water, air,
fire and ether.
z The Vaisheshika system considers the realistic and objective philosophy of the universe.
z They believe that God is the guiding principle and that the creation and destruction of the
universe is a cyclic process.
z They believe that living beings are rewarded or punished according to the law of karma.
z They also believe that liberation is the supreme goal of human life.

Question 5

Purva
Mimamsa

Answer 5

Propounded by: JAIMINI
z It believes that the Vedas are impeccable in what they say.
z Jaimini accepts the two types of knowledge, namely, Pratyakṣa (immediate knowledge) and
Parokṣa (mediate knowledge). Source of Parokṣa Jñāna is of five kinds, namely Anumāna
(inference), Upamāna (comparison), Śabda (verbal testimony), Arthāpatti (postulation) and
Anupalabdhi (nonperception)
z Mimāṁsā does not speak about the existence of God.
z They argue that salvation is possible through performing rituals, but it is also necessary to
understand the justification and reasoning behind Vedic rituals.
z It stresses on the doctrine of karma as a means of liberation.

Question 6

Uttar
Mimamsa
(Vedanta)

Answer 6

Main proponents: Shankaracharya and Ramanuja.
z Vedanta is made of two words - Veda and Ant, meaning the end of the Vedas.
z This school upholds the philosophies of life as elaborated in the Upanishads.
z The oldest text that formed the basis of this philosophy was Brahmasutra of Badarayana.
z The core message of Vedanta is that every action must be governed by the intellect: the
discriminating faculty.
z Vedanta theory also gave credence to the theory of karma and believed in the theory of
Punarjanma or Rebirth.