Module 3: Non-Orthodox Philosophical Traditions

This module explores non-orthodox philosophical traditions in ancient India, focusing on Buddhism and Jainism's distinct pathways to liberation from suffering.

Week 6: Pathways To Liberation (Buddhism And Jainism)

This section explores the non-orthodox traditions of Buddhism and Jainism, focusing on their paths to liberation from suffering.

Buddhism: The Middle Path To Nirvana

This section provides a comprehensive overview of Buddhism, emphasizing the life and teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) and the foundational principles encapsulated in the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.

Life And Teachings Of Siddhartha Gautama

This section covers the life, teachings, and core concepts of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, highlighting his journey to enlightenment and the core principles of Buddhist philosophy.

The Four Noble Truths

The Four Noble Truths represent the foundation of Buddhist philosophy, addressing the nature of suffering and the path to liberation from it.

Dukkha Ariya Sacca (The Noble Truth Of Suffering)

This section explores the first of the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism, which focuses on the inherent nature of suffering (Dukkha) in life.

Samudaya Ariya Sacca (The Noble Truth Of The Origin Of Suffering)

The Samudaya Ariya Sacca explains that the origin of suffering in life is primarily due to craving and attachment.

Nirodha Ariya Sacca (The Noble Truth Of The Cessation Of Suffering)

The Nirodha Ariya Sacca is the Buddhist Noble Truth that states that suffering can be completely ceased through the eradication of craving.

Magga Ariya Sacca (The Noble Truth Of The Path To The Cessation Of Suffering)

The Magga Ariya Sacca outlines the Noble Eightfold Path as the practical means to achieve the cessation of suffering in Buddhist philosophy.

The Eightfold Path

The Eightfold Path is a core Buddhist teaching outlining the practical methods to attain enlightenment and liberation from suffering.

Nirvana

Nirvana is the ultimate goal in Buddhism, representing liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth.

Core Concepts

This section explores core concepts in Buddhism and Jainism, focusing on their differing perspectives on reality, liberation, and ethical living.

Jainism: The Path Of Absolute Non-Violence

Jainism emphasizes strict non-violence (Ahimsa) as a fundamental ethical principle guiding its followers, promoting compassion towards all living beings.

Life And Teachings Of Mahavira

This section details the life and teachings of Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, emphasizing his path of rigorous asceticism and the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence).

Principles Of Ahimsa (Non-Violence) In Thought, Word, And Deed

Ahimsa, or non-violence, is a core ethical principle in Jainism, emphasizing the need for active compassion towards all living beings across thought, word, and action.

Anekantavada (Multi-Faceted Reality) And Syadvada (Doctrine Of Conditional Predication)

This section explores Anekantavada and Syadvada, two core doctrines of Jain philosophy that highlight the complexity of truth and promote tolerance through a multi-faceted understanding of reality.

The Concept Of Jiva (Soul) And Ajiva (Non-Soul)

Jain philosophy categorizes all entities into Jiva (living) and Ajiva (non-living), explaining their nature and significance in the pursuit of liberation.

Week 7: Materialism And Skepticism (Charvaka)

This section discusses Charvaka philosophy, a radical materialistic and skeptical tradition in ancient India that emphasizes direct perception as the only source of knowledge.

Charvaka Philosophy: The Pursuit Of Empirical Truth

Charvaka philosophy, or Lokayata, is an ancient Indian school of thought emphasizing materialism and empirical validation as the sole source of knowledge.

Emphasis On Direct Perception As The Only Valid Source Of Knowledge (Pratyaksha Pramana)

Charvaka philosophy asserts that direct perception is the sole valid source of knowledge, rejecting inference and testimony as unreliable.

Rejection Of Supernaturalism, Rituals, And After-Life Concepts

This section explores Charvaka philosophy's materialistic approach, rejecting supernatural beliefs and asserting that only direct perception verifies knowledge.

Its Significance As A Counter-Narrative And A Testament To Intellectual Freedom Within Ikt

The Charvaka school exemplifies a critical materialistic philosophy within the intellectual landscape of Indian Knowledge Traditions, emphasizing empirical evidence over spiritual beliefs.

Brief Overview Of Other Minor Philosophical Schools

This section discusses several lesser-known philosophical schools of ancient India that contributed to intellectual discourse alongside Buddhism, Jainism, and Charvaka.

Ajivika

Ajivika represents a deterministic philosophical movement in ancient India that emphasizes absolute predetermination over individual free will.

Ajñana (Skepticism/agnosticism)

Ajñana represents a tradition of radical skepticism in ancient India, asserting that certain knowledge about ultimate realities is indeterminate and beyond human comprehension.