Schools of Indian Philosophy
Classical Indian philosophy is traditionally expressed through six principal schools of thought known as the Darshanas, of which Yoga is one. The evolution of these systems reflects the development of human understanding in ancient Indian civilization.
The Sanskrit word Darshana means “direct perception,” “intuition,” or “inspiration,” but it is also used to signify “insight” or “vision.” These schools aim to understand the ultimate truth behind existence and all creation.
The foundational ideas of these systems were established by wise sages (Rishis), each offering a different yet complementary view of a single truth. Their teachings guide individuals in ethical living and self-purification to help them unite their individual soul (Atman) with the cosmic soul (Brahman).
The six classical schools and their founders are:
Sankhya – Founded by Kapila
Yoga – Systematized by Patanjali
Purva Mimamsa – Founded by Jaimini
Vedanta – Developed by Vyasa
Vaisheshika – Founded by Kanada
Nyaya – Founded by Gautama
Sankhya School
The term Sankhya means “enumeration.” This dualistic school explores the hierarchy of existence and the descent of spirit into matter.
It is based on the distinction between Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter). Prakriti is the source of all material phenomena and is composed of three essential qualities (gunas):
Sattva (purity/intelligence)
Rajas (activity/motion)
Tamas (inertia/darkness)
Prakriti transforms under the influence of these gunas, while Purusha remains a detached observer. Liberation (Moksha) occurs when the self realizes its distinction from matter and transcends the influence of the gunas.
Yoga School
Yoga means “union” or “discipline.” It focuses on the ascent of the spirit and liberation from material bondage through inner control.
Yoga emphasizes practical methods—self-discipline, ethical living, breath control, and meditation—to calm the restless mind and awaken spiritual consciousness.
According to Yoga philosophy, the mind functions in five states:
Right knowledge
Misconception
Imagination
Sleep
Memory
The ultimate goal of yoga is to cease these mental fluctuations and realize the pure self.
Purva Mimamsa School
Mimamsa means “inquiry” or “investigation.” It is concerned with the duties and rituals outlined in the early Vedas.
This school regards liberation as attaining a heavenly afterlife through proper ritual actions. It emphasizes dharma (duty) and sees the soul as eternal but distinct from the body and senses. Liberation is achieved through performance of Vedic duties, mantras, and sacred sounds.
Vedanta School
Vedanta means “the end or culmination of the Vedas.” It focuses on non-dualism (Advaita) and the realization of Brahman, the ultimate reality.
Vedanta holds that Brahman is omnipresent, and the perception of multiplicity is due to ignorance (Avidya). The individual soul (Atman) is essentially identical with Brahman.
The Atman is covered by five sheaths (Kosha):
Annamaya (physical body)
Pranamaya (vital breath)
Manomaya (mind/emotions)
Vijnanamaya (intellect)
Anandamaya (bliss)
Spiritual evolution occurs through transcending these layers to experience Turiya, the fourth state of consciousness beyond waking, dreaming, and deep sleep.
Vaisheshika School
Vaisheshika means “distinction.” This atomistic school categorizes reality based on the unique characteristics of substances.
It teaches that all objects are made of indivisible atoms of earth, water, fire, air, and ether. These combine to form the material world. God is the eternal, infinite, and omniscient cause of creation, preservation, and destruction.
Liberation involves transcending pleasure and pain through mastery of desires.
Nyaya School
Nyaya means “method” or “logic.” It is a school of reasoning that emphasizes epistemology and logic.
Knowledge is acquired through four valid means:
Perception (Pratyaksha)
Inference (Anumana)
Comparison (Upamana)
Testimony (Shabda)
It teaches that right knowledge leads to liberation and that distinguishing truth from falsehood through debate (Vada) and reasoning is essential to spiritual freedom.
