Week 3: Logic, Reality, And Consciousness (Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya)

This section explores three prominent Indian philosophical schools: Nyaya, which focuses on logic and epistemology; Vaisheshika, which provides an atomic theory of reality; and Samkhya, a dualistic philosophy emphasizing the distinction between consciousness and matter.

Nyaya: The Science Of Logic And Epistemology

The Nyaya school of Indian philosophy focuses on epistemology and logic, emphasizing a systematic method for acquiring valid knowledge through four primary means.

Vaisheshika: Atomistic Theory And Categories Of Reality

The Vaisheshika school focuses on the nature of reality through an atomistic theory and categorizes all existence into discrete categories known as Padarthas.

Samkhya: Dualistic Philosophy Of Prakriti And Purusha

Samkhya philosophy posits a dualism between Prakriti, the material world, and Purusha, the conscious self, highlighting their interaction and the evolution of the cosmos.

Week 4: Practical Philosophy And Self-Realization (Yoga And Purva Mimamsa)

This week focuses on the practical methodologies of Yoga and the philosophical underpinnings of Purva Mimamsa, emphasizing self-realization and the cultural significance of Vedic rituals.

Yoga: Patanjali's Yoga Sutras – Ashtanga Yoga

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras outline Ashtanga Yoga, a systematic and practical approach to achieving self-realization and liberation.

Purva Mimamsa: Philosophy Of Vedic Rituals, Language, And Duty (Dharma)

Purva Mimamsa focuses on Vedic rituals, the authority of the Vedas, and the concept of Dharma, emphasizing the significance of duty in spiritual practice.

Week 5: The Pinnacle Of Philosophical Inquiry (Vedanta)

This section explores Vedanta, the culmination of Indian philosophy, highlighting three major sub-schools: Advaita, Vishishtadvaita, and Dvaita.

Advaita Vedanta (Shankara): Non-Dualism

Advaita Vedanta emphasizes the non-duality of reality, asserting that Brahman is the sole reality with the individual self (Atman) being identical to it.

Vishishtadvaita Vedanta (Ramanuja): Qualified Non-Dualism

Vishishtadvaita Vedanta, developed by Ramanuja, presents a qualified non-dualism where Brahman possesses attributes, emphasizing a relational view of God, individual souls, and matter.

Dvaita Vedanta (Madhva): Dualism

Dvaita Vedanta, founded by Madhva, advocates for radical dualism, emphasizing distinct realities of God, individual souls, and matter, which relate to one another in a hierarchical yet different manner.

Modern Interpretations And Relevance Of Vedantic Thought

Modern interpretations of Vedantic thought highlight its continuing relevance across various domains, including philosophy, spirituality, and psychology.