Hindu Philosophy
Explore the rich philosophical traditions of Hinduism, from the ancient Vedas to the sophisticated systems of thought that have shaped Indian civilization for millennia.
Brahman is the ultimate reality, the absolute, infinite consciousness that is the source and substratum of all existence. It is beyond all forms, qualities, and limitations.
Nirguna Brahman
Brahman without attributes - the absolute reality beyond all forms, qualities, and descriptions. It is pure consciousness, existence, and bliss (Sat-Chit-Ananda).
Saguna Brahman
Brahman with attributes - the personal aspect of the divine, worshipped as various deities like Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi. This is Brahman as experienced by the individual soul.
Brahman and Maya
Maya is the cosmic illusion that makes the one Brahman appear as the many. It is the power that creates the appearance of the phenomenal world.
Vedanta
Advaita Vedanta
Non-dualistic philosophy of Shankara. Brahman alone is real, the world is illusion (maya), and Atman is identical to Brahman.
Vishishtadvaita
Qualified non-dualism of Ramanuja. Brahman, souls, and matter are real but souls and matter are attributes of Brahman.
Dvaita Vedanta
Dualistic philosophy of Madhva. Brahman and individual souls are eternally distinct, with Brahman as the supreme controller.
Dvaitadvaita
Dualistic non-dualism of Nimbarka. Souls are both identical to and different from Brahman, like waves and the ocean.
Yoga Philosophy
Eight Limbs
Yama (restraints), Niyama (observances), Asana (posture), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (withdrawal), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), Samadhi (absorption).
Purusha and Prakriti
Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter) are the two fundamental realities. Liberation comes from realizing their separation.
Kleshas
The five afflictions: ignorance, egoism, attachment, aversion, and fear of death. These are the causes of suffering.
Samadhi
The ultimate goal of yoga - complete absorption in pure consciousness, leading to liberation and union with the divine.
Samkhya Philosophy
Dualism
Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter) are the two eternal, independent realities. The world evolves from Prakriti through the three gunas.
Three Gunas
Sattva (purity, harmony), Rajas (activity, passion), and Tamas (inertia, darkness). These qualities pervade all of creation.
Evolution Theory
From Prakriti evolve Mahat (cosmic intelligence), Ahamkara (ego), Manas (mind), the five sense organs, five motor organs, and five elements.
Liberation
Kaivalya (isolation) - the Purusha realizes its complete separation from Prakriti, attaining freedom from all suffering.
Other Schools
Nyaya
Logic and epistemology. Focuses on valid knowledge, logical reasoning, and the means of acquiring true knowledge.
Vaisheshika
Atomism and metaphysics. Teaches that the universe is composed of eternal atoms and that liberation comes through knowledge of reality.
Mimamsa
Ritual philosophy. Emphasizes the importance of Vedic rituals and dharma, focusing on the correct interpretation of Vedic texts.
Cosmology and Creation
Cyclic Universe
The universe undergoes endless cycles of creation, preservation, and dissolution. Each cycle (kalpa) lasts for billions of years.
Maya and Illusion
The phenomenal world is maya - not absolutely real but not completely unreal either. It is like a dream or a mirage, appearing real but ultimately illusory.
Lila (Divine Play)
The creation is the divine play (lila) of Brahman. The universe exists for the joy and expression of the divine consciousness.
Consciousness and Mind
Chitta (Mind-Stuff)
The mind is composed of subtle matter that can take the form of any object. It is like a mirror that reflects the objects of perception.
Antahkarana
The fourfold inner instrument: Manas (mind), Buddhi (intellect), Ahamkara (ego), and Chitta (memory).
Witness Consciousness
The pure awareness that witnesses all mental activities without being affected by them. This is the true nature of the self.
Founder of Advaita Vedanta
Founder of Vishishtadvaita
Founder of Dvaita Vedanta
Author of Yoga Sutras
Continue Your Philosophical Journey
Deepen your understanding of Hindu philosophy through practice, study of sacred texts, and exploration of the rich traditions that have shaped Indian thought.