Hindu Philosophy is also called as Vedic Philosophy
Hinduism, also known as Sanatan Dharma, is the world’s oldest continuously practiced religion. It is considered a natural religion, meaning its philosophies and practices are seen as universally accessible through sincere study, reasoning, and experience, without the need for special revelation. Hinduism is also an indigenous religion, comprising a diverse family of philosophies and traditions primarily practiced throughout Asia for thousands of years. Today, it is a global religion with followers from virtually every racial, ethnic, and national background, living on every continent. It forms the majority religion in three countries: India, Nepal, and Mauritius.
Despite lacking a distinct historical origin, single founder, central religious institution, or sole authoritative scripture, most traditions, sects, or schools within Hinduism share foundational concepts. Two of the most prominent are the oneness of existence and pluralism.
Major Schools of Thought in Hinduism
Over the centuries, various schools of thought developed within Hinduism through a dynamic tradition of philosophical inquiry and debate. These schools, or darshanas, emerged from timeless and universal questions, such as the purpose of life and the relationship between humans and the Divine (existence, pure being, light of consciousness). The term darshana literally means “seeing” and refers to different ways of perceiving the Divine and attaining moksha—liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth.
Six darshanas are recognized as the most influential:
- Vaisheshika
- Nyaya
- Sankhya
- Mimamsa (or Purva Mimamsa)
- Yoga
- Vedanta (including Advaita, Dvaita, and Vishishtadvaita)
Key Sources of Knowledge in Hinduism : Hindu Scriptures
Hinduism boasts a rich array of sacred texts and sources of knowledge, broadly classified into two categories: Shruti and Smriti.
Shruti, meaning “heard,” encompasses what Hindus believe to be eternal truths akin to natural law. These texts are revered as divinely revealed and foundational to Hinduism. Smriti, meaning “memory,” is distinguished by its origin, being composed by sages over time to remind adherents of the eternal truths found in Shruti. These texts are intended to be interpreted in the context of changing circumstances across time (kala), place (desha), and personality (guna).
Shruti
- Vedas: The word Veda means “knowledge,” and there are four Vedas: Rig, Sama, Yajur, and Atharva, with the Rig Veda being the oldest.
- Upanishads: Over 100 texts exploring methods of understanding the self, God, and the nature of the world.
- Agamas: Ancient texts unique to Shaiva, Shakta, Vaishnava, Smartha, and Ganapatya Dharma traditions.
Smriti
Agama Shastras: Ancient texts dealing with practical aspects of devotion and worship, including personal and temple rituals and practices.
Upavedas: Four texts covering:
- Ayurveda – the science of health and life
- Dhanurveda – the science of warfare
- Gandharvaveda – the study of aesthetics and the arts
Arthashastra – guidance on public administration, governance, economy, and politics
Puranas: Eighteen major texts and many minor ones that explain the teachings of the Vedas and Upanishads through stories and parables.
Ramayana: An epic recounting the life of Prince Rama, considered an incarnation of the Divine, with numerous versions, the most famous being by Sage Valmiki and poet-saint Tulsidas.
Mahabharata: The world’s longest poem, a historical epic with over 100,000 verses, focusing on an extended conflict within the Kaurava family, and exploring themes like truth, justice, self-sacrifice, and devotion to God.
Bhagavad Gita: A primary Hindu scripture, technically part of the Mahabharata and classified as Smriti, but traditionally given the status of an Upanishad. It addresses the challenges of upholding dharma in morally complex situations.
Agama Shastras: Ancient texts dealing with practical aspects of devotion and worship, including personal and temple rituals and practices.
Note from the Publisher:
The information provided on this site is intended for informational and educational purposes, and we strive to offer our viewers accurate and reliable content. Given the ancient and diverse nature of Hinduism, there may be variations in the interpretations and views presented by different authors. If you come across any conflicting information, please bring it to our attention, and we will make every effort to investigate and update the content as needed. Thank you for your understanding. Management.