The Philosophy of India

Indian Philosophy refers to many classic Indian intellectual traditions. A classic classification splits the traditional philosophers into three groups, namely, niyama, Vishnu, and yojurveda. Niyama includes yoga, ashtanga, and similar forms of exercise; vishnu includes Jnana Yoga and Kundalini Yoga; and yogurveda includes Ashtanga and Hatha Yoga. All three have developed out of a common heritage of classical Indian intellectualism.

Indian Philosophy traces its origins to texts from the Vedas and Upanishads. It utilizes the concepts of Vedic philosophy in discussing issues such as philosophy (languages), metaphysics, ethics, metaphysics, science, religion, sociology, psychology, physiology, aesthetics, and the world. Indian philosophy has also influenced Muslim, Taoist, Buddhist, and other Hindu philosophies like Veera Shaivism, Lingayat, and other practices. It also studies Sanskrit texts to enrich religious education and cultural practices. Indian Philosophy differs greatly according to tradition, but all Indian Philosophy believes that knowledge is the source of power.

Philosophy in India began is one o the oldest and was continued till today despite onslaughts of outsiders from India. The  temples played a key role in the spread of this Indian philosophy.  The Upanishads,whichwere learntby heart by a sect pf people later were written  in Sanskrit, started to play a vital role in the development of Indian Philosophy. A main article of Indian philosophy is that the universe and the human beings are composed of elementary particles called pancha bhutas. The Upanishads describe different realms in the universe.

There are three main branches of Indian Philosophy: Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Yoga. Karma Yoga focuses on the path of karma, which is believed to be the cause of misery in the present life and future lives. It is the philosophy that believes that all good and bad things are caused by “actions” we perform at a past time. Karma yoga includes several theories such as reincarnation, karmic past, karma, and destiny. In addition, karma yoga helps individuals develop self-awareness, compassion, and self-control.

Another branch of Indian philosophy is Samkhya. It is the Tantric religion, which is found in the practices of  Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. According to Samkhya, all beings have an individual nature, which is similar to the individual nature of animals. Individual souls are unaware of their separate origin and are surrounded by an “aura”, which affects physical bodies only. This Tantric school is also called Arianism.

The three main tenets of Hindu philosophy are: Bhakti (the practice of worshiping a deity), Moksha (acceptance of a higher being), and Ssnsara According to Bhakti, all desires emanate from a supreme consciousness which is above the desires and actions of human beings. Karma states that everything happens for a reason, while Patanjali maintains that the universe is ordered by a supreme power.

Hindu philosophers comprise a variety of intellectual traditions, all of which are influenced by their beliefs and practices based on true or actual realization.  Indian philosophers were influenced by Sanskrit linguistics, math, astronomy, astrology, yoga, and religion. Vedas, or the Vedas, include the works known as the Agamas, and the Upanishads. Other Hindu philosophers include Buddhists, who emphasize living a solitary life in order to realize liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Jain philosophers consider the cosmos as god’s temple, and advocate asceticism, meditation, and pranayama (breath control). Sanyasa (meditation) is often regarded as an essential part of Hindu thought, and yoga focuses on physical and mental disciplines in order to achieve emotional and spiritual liberation.

Indian Philosophy continues to influence political and social conditions today. Although there have been times when the flow of political thought has ebbed and flowed, India has seen periods of widespread political and social influence from time to time. Philosophy is an ever-present presence in the world, and its significance is felt today more than ever. Students of philosophy may choose from an array of subjects to pursue a degree in philosophy. There are many colleges and universities in India that offer programs leading to a degree in philosophy.