13/05/2026
Primary Schools of Hindu Laws
Hindu philosophy consists of six primary orthodox (āstika) schools, collectively known as Shad Darshana, which accept the authority of the Vedas.
These schools—Sāmkhya, Yoga, Nyāya, Vaiśeṣika, Mīmāṃsā, and Vedānta—offer diverse metaphysical, epistemological, and ethical paths aimed at understanding the nature of reality and achieving liberation (moksha).
The Six Orthodox Schools (Shad Darshana):
1. Sāmkhya (Kapila): A dualistic philosophy focusing on the interaction between consciousness (Purusha) and matter (Prakriti).
2. Yoga (Patañjali): Focuses on disciplining the mind and body through meditation and the eight-limbed path to attain liberation.
3. Nyāya (Gautama): A school of logic and epistemology, arguing that valid knowledge is the key to liberation.
4. Vaiśeṣika (Kaṇāda): An atomistic and realistic school that classifies all objects in the universe into physical and metaphysical categories.
5. Mīmāṃsā or Pūrva Mīmāṃsā (Jaimini): Focuses on the correct interpretation of the ritualistic portions of the Vedas.
6. Vedānta or Uttara Mīmāṃsā (Vyāsa): Explores the philosophy of the Upanishads, focusing on the relationship between the self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman).
Key Concepts:
Āstika (Orthodox): Schools that accept Vedic authority (Sāmkhya, Yoga, Nyāya, Vaiśeṣika, Mīmāṃsā, Vedānta)
Nāstika (Heterodox): Schools that do not accept Vedic authority, including Cārvāka, Buddhism, and Jainism.Goal:
The ultimate goal is moksha (liberation) from the cycle of birth and death, often achieved through knowledge, devotion, or action.
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