Class of 2026

FINAL YEAR.
LOST?

Placements feel uncertain.
Career path unclear.
You need direction.

We'll help you figure it out.
Let's connect.

Real guidance. Real results.

Skip to main content

Vedic Schools of Philosophy

Vedic Schools of Philosophy

I. Overview of the Vedic Darshanas

6-darshanas-1024x682.jpg

  • Six Systems: The six systems of Indian philosophy classified as Vedic are:
    • Samkhya
    • Yoga
    • Nyaya
    • Vaisheshika
    • Mimamsa
    • Vedanta
  • Shared Acceptance: These traditions are considered Vedic because they all accept the authority (testimony) of the Vedas.

II. Commonalities Among Vedic Darshanas

A. Shared Goal

  • Ultimate Liberation (Moksha): All the six systems share a common goal of attaining final liberation or Moksha.
    • Understanding of self (who am I?) is considered a key part of this process

B. Shared Context

  • Jiva, Jagat, and Ishvara: All the six systems acknowledge and work within the same fundamental context of Jiva (self), Jagat (world), and Ishvara (divine).
  • However, their approaches, in this context, differ towards achieving the ultimate goal.

III. Differences in Approaches

A. Samkhya and Yoga

  • Focus: Examine the nature of matter (Prakriti) and its role in attaining moksha (liberation)
    • Explore how matter influences human consciousness and experience, and the practices to overcome it.
  • Methods: They seek to understand the process and means to reach liberation via exploring matter.

B. Nyaya and Vaisheshika

  • Focus: Seek a route to moksha through valid knowledge (pramana) and understanding of the nature of reality.
    • They explore the methods of valid knowledge and nature of the world to attain Moksha.
  • Methods Emphasize logic and epistemology as pathways to liberation.

C. Mimamsa and Vedanta

  • Focus: Seek direct guidance from the Vedic corpus.
  • They look to the Veda to answer the question of liberation.
  • Interpretation: They believe that the path to moksha is through the proper interpretation and application of the various parts of the Vedas.
  • They explore the Vedic texts and its interpretations as a means to achieve liberation.

IV. Shared Context, Different Paths

  • Common Goal and Context: Although they all share the same goal (moksha) and work within the context of Jiva, Jagat and Ishvara; their approaches are different.
  • Varying Emphasis:
    • Samkhya and Yoga: Focus on matter and its role in achieving moksha.
    • Nyaya and Vaisheshika: Emphasis is on epistemology and metaphysics.
    • Mimamsa and Vedanta: Emphasize the role of the Vedic corpus in achieving liberation.

V. Conclusion

  • The Vedic systems, while united by a common goal, differ significantly in their methods and focus.
Back to top