Six Schools of Indian Philosophy (Shad Darshanas)

Classical Indian intellectual traditions classify philosophical systems into orthodox (Astika) and heterodox (Nastika) based on the acceptance of Vedic authority. The six orthodox schools, known collectively as the Shad Darshanas, systematically address epistemology, metaphysics, and liberation. Samkhya, founded by sage Kapila, posits dualistic realism between Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter). Patanjali's Yoga provides practical eight-limbed (Ashtanga) psychological discipline. Gautama's Nyaya establishes rigorous logical epistemology through four valid means of knowledge (Pramanas), complemented by Kanada's Vaisheshika atomic theory of the physical universe. Purva Mimamsa by Jaimini focuses on Vedic hermeneutics and ritual action, while Uttara Mimamsa (Vedanta), systematized by Badarayana and interpreted by Shankaracharya and Ramanuja, examines non-dual metaphysical reality (Brahman).