Philosophy of Ancient India

The basis of Indian philosophy is the Vedas (sacred texts), as well as comments to them. These texts are the oldest monument in the Indo-Aryan culture. They were created in the 15th century BC. E. It was believed that the Vedas existed always, and were never created by anyone. That is why these sacred texts could not contain erroneous information. Most of them are written in mystical language (Sanskrit). With the help of it, the universe communicates with man.

Part of the Vedas is represented by records of revelations, cosmic truths. "Shrudi" is only available to people who are initiated. "Smriti" (another part of the sacred texts) are adapted texts for less gifted people (workers, women, representatives of the lower castes.) In particular, the Indian sagas of Mahabharata and Ramayana refer to "smriti."

The philosophy of Ancient India reveals such a concept as "Karma". It was believed that Karma is the law of consequence and cause. Everyone depends on it, even Gods.

The philosophy of Ancient India, in one of the philosophical categories, contained the notion that everything around a person is an illusion. Ignorance of man contributes to his illusory idea of the world. It was called Maya.

Traditional Indian philosophical schools are divided into orthodox (following religiously the principles of the ancient teachings) and not orthodox schools. The first recognized the authority of the Vedas.

Nyaya is one of the orthodox schools. According to the understanding, the material world existed. The knowledge of man was exercised through the five senses. The philosophy of ancient India in this school taught that everything that went beyond the scope of feelings - does not exist. Four sources of knowledge were recognized : inference, perception, comparison, the word of authority.

Another orthodox school was Vaisheshika. It was founded by the Rishis of Canada. In this school the philosophy of Ancient India recognized the existence of two worlds: the sensory and the supersensible. At the heart of everything lay indivisible particles (atoms). Between them the space is filled with ether (akasha). The lifeblood of the atoms was Brahman. Also this philosophy recognized two sources of knowledge: inference and perception.

At the heart of Mimamsa (another philosophical school) is also the authority of the sacred texts. In this school, the philosophers of Ancient India focus on the correct interpretation of the scriptures (Vedas), as well as the importance of the rituals described in them.

The features of the philosophy of Ancient India, the Sankhya school are represented in the awareness of the materiality and objectivity of the world.

The Teaching of the Yogi was a system of practical actions. They were directed to the knowledge of the absolute. The doctrine is devoted to the definition of a specific driving force in the process of liberation.

Among unorthodox philosophical doctrines, one should note individual materialism. Lokayad (schools) reject the need for a world religion. They recognize the existence of only what is felt (the soul is the body). The life goal, according to this teaching, was to receive satisfaction.

The doctrine of Jainism recognized the eternal, uncreated substance. This fundamental principle of the world was a carrier of energy and had a forward and simple movement. Jainism teaches that atoms of different weights make up the whole world. Indivisible particles merge into things. According to this teaching, there is only inanimate matter and soul. The main principle of the philosophical school was the non-infliction of harm to the living.

The teaching of Buddhism presupposed four truths: life is suffering; The causes of suffering in desires and passions; Getting rid of suffering comes after giving up desires; Completes all the liberation of man from the chains of samsara (the cycle of rebirth - life). Buddhism was propagated by Atisha, Shantarakshita, Chandrakirti and other philosophers.