­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Indian Philosophy:

Several traditions that had originated in the Indian subcontinent have got severe impact in the philosophy. Any of these traditions of philosophical thought are referred to as Indian philosophy. The theme of Dharma is the underlying principle of all these philosophies which attempts to explain in detail the accomplishment of emancipation. 1000 BC to a few centuries AD has been the period of the formation of these philosophies. These philosophies were formalized and promulgated during this time. There have been stylized interpretations of these philosophies by ISKCON and Aurobindo among others which continued up to the 20^th century.

One important characteristic features that should be noted in these schools are that they may disagree with each other belonging to one “masthead”. At times they would also be in agreement but professing allegiance to different banners. The Vedic Samkhya schools and the non-Vedic Jain can be a good example. These two schools have got similar ideas on pluralism. On the other hand the Dvaita and Advaita School would be an example for schools that are in disagreement. These schools have got subtle differences.

Between 800 BC and 200 AD which was considered as the formative years of these schools there were competition and integration between these schools. Some schools like Samkhya and Ajivika were not able to survive on the long run whereas some schools like Sahiva, Advaita, Buddhist, and Jain were able to survive.

In order to understand how life can be led in a best way, the Indian thinkers viewed the Indian philosophy as a necessary tool. It has almost become a custom to elaborate the philosophical works and its significance in serving the human needs reckoning the beginning of the philosophical works.

There were various schools which has vested interest in the explaining the assumption that there is pervasive and omniscient unitary order which is the base for philosophy. The Brahmin thinkers put emphasis on this point bringing the rituals in various forms. Rig Veda quotes Brahman as the ritual making force.

During the medieval period of Brahmanic-Sanskritic scholastisticism many of the intellectual traditions of Hinduism were classified. A standard list has been brought in the Indian philosophy which has got the Vedic authority as their source. Samkhya, Nyaya, Purva Mimamsa, Yoga, Vaisheshika, and Vedanta have been the six philosophies which are sourced out of the Vedic authority. These schools which are developed form the Vedic authority are often coupled into three different groups for the conceptual and the historical reasons they have got. They are coupled as Samkhya-Yoga, Nyaya-Vaishesika, and Mimamsa-Vedanta.

Questions:

• What is Indian Philosophy?
• What are the schools that have got some ideas on pluralism in the Indian philosophy?