INTRODUCTION TO INDIAN PHILOSOPHY

Indian orthodox philosophical traditions, also known as the Astika schools, are deeply rooted in the Vedic scriptures and form the foundational pillars of classical Indian philosophy. These schools include Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Purba Mimamsa, and Uttar Mimamsa or Vedanta, each offering a distinctive perspective on the fundamental questions of existence, knowledge, ethics, and the nature of reality. Grounded in the authority of the Vedas, these traditions have shaped the intellectual and cultural fabric of India for millennia, influencing not only philosophy but also other aspects of society, religion, and art. At the heart of Indian intellectual beliefs is a strong desire to understand the final nature of reality and how to reach spiritual awareness or freedom. They talk about questions about life, knowledge, ethics, and the nature of the self. They give us structures and points of view to help us make sense of the complicated things that happen to us.