Here is my understanding of the six systems of Vedic or so-called Hindu philosophy. This is to introduce young readers to the rich philosophical tradition of India, hoping they will delve deeply if they have the interest and the time. Please send me corrections if my understanding is wrong. Thank you.
Samkhya: There are two primordial entities: puruṣa and
prakriti. There is no provision for a god in this system. Since puruṣa is
unattached to everything and stands apart (state of kevala), you just
have to get rid of the wrong identification of the body and the limited concept
of the self and reach the state of kaivalya, realizing that the true
self as puruṣa was always there. This is Jñana mārga. There is no place for
bhakti (faith) or karma (action).
Mīmāmsa: This accepts Vedic gods (not the puranic
gods) but says that gods do not give us
the fruits of our actions. It says that we just have to perform the rituals
(karma) as ordained by the Vedās and the results will follow automatically. God
is de-emphasized and therefore, Bhakti is not part of this system. Karma or
action is emphasized in a limited sense of performing Vedic rituals (yagnas).
Nyāya system follows the Samkhya, except it says
that logically we have to accept an Īswara who started it all. Therefore, this
allows the bhakti mārga. (Vaiseṣika system is also included here) Īswara
is prakriti with a form. (Later, prakriti
is equated with nirguna Brahman and Iswara with saguna Brahman)
Yoga system of Patanjali also accepts Īswara and
goes on to show how to reach Him through control of the mind and meditation.
This is Rāja mārga. Bhakti is also possible.
Vedanta accepts parts of each one of them. Advaita is the first of several points of view within Vedanta. Visishtadvaita and Dvaita are the other major points of view. Adi
Sankara reconciled the approaches, particularly Mimamsa, by saying Karma marga and Bhakti marga are
needed (can be used) to prepare one’s mind for this journey through Jñana mārga.
It also emphasizes that there is only one Atman (Brahman) occupying everything
in this Universe. It emphasizes Jñana mārga by which the individual Atman
merges with the Brahman.
Moksha of Advaita is called Kaivalya in Samkhya, Swarga (Kailasam
or Vaikuntam) in Bhakti mārga and Apavarga in Nyāya -Vaiseṣika system.
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