1.2 Key concepts and terminology in Indian philosophy
5 min read•july 31, 2024
Indian philosophy is built on key concepts that shape its worldview. , , , and form the foundation, addressing cosmic order, moral causality, liberation, and the nature of self. These ideas provide a framework for understanding reality and human existence.
Additional concepts like , , and further enrich Indian philosophical thought. They explore the cycle of rebirth, the illusory nature of reality, and the ultimate cosmic principle. Together, these concepts form an interconnected system that tackles life's big questions.
Key Concepts in Indian Philosophy
Fundamental Philosophical Terms
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Other schools maintain varying degrees of distinction
Maya interacts with understanding of atman and Brahman
Viewed as veil obscuring true nature of self and reality
Plays crucial role in epistemological and metaphysical inquiries
Overcoming maya often seen as step towards moksha
Comprehensive Framework
Interplay between concepts addresses existential questions
Nature of reality: Explored through maya and Brahman
Self: Examined through atman and its relation to Brahman
Purpose of life: Understood through dharma and moksha
Moksha intricately linked to other fundamental concepts
Requires understanding and transcending effects of karma
Involves piercing veil of maya to realize true nature
Achieved through alignment with dharma in many traditions
Different schools emphasize or de-emphasize certain relationships
Leads to diverse soteriological paths (knowledge, devotion, action)
Results in varied metaphysical interpretations of reality
Influences practical approaches to spiritual practice and ethics
Key Terms to Review (17)
Adi Shankaracharya: Adi Shankaracharya was an influential Indian philosopher and theologian who lived in the early 8th century CE, best known for consolidating the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta, a non-dualistic school of thought in Hindu philosophy. His teachings emphasized the oneness of Brahman and Atman, advocating that realization of this unity leads to liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth.
Advaita Vedanta: Advaita Vedanta is a non-dualistic school of Indian philosophy that teaches the fundamental oneness of Brahman (the ultimate reality) and Atman (the individual self). It emphasizes that the apparent distinctions between the self and the universe are illusory, leading to a deep understanding of the nature of existence and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Ahimsa: Ahimsa is the principle of non-violence and respect for all living beings, rooted deeply in Indian philosophy. It emphasizes compassion and non-harm towards others, influencing various philosophical traditions and ethical systems in India.
Anumana: Anumana, or inference, is a key means of knowledge in Indian philosophy that allows individuals to derive conclusions based on observed premises. It connects various philosophical discussions about the nature of knowledge, reality, and the interpretation of texts, emphasizing the relationship between what is perceived and what can be logically inferred from that perception.
Atman: Atman refers to the true self or soul in Indian philosophy, considered the essence of individual identity and consciousness. It is central to various philosophical discussions and practices, often understood as the eternal and unchanging aspect of a person that transcends physical existence and connects with the ultimate reality.
Brahman: Brahman is the ultimate reality and cosmic principle in Hindu philosophy, often described as the source of all existence, consciousness, and bliss. This concept connects to various philosophical discussions surrounding the nature of the universe, the self, and the relationship between the individual and the infinite.
Buddhism: Buddhism is a spiritual and philosophical tradition founded in the 5th to 4th century BCE by Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, which emphasizes the path to enlightenment through practices like meditation and ethical living. Its teachings encompass concepts like suffering, impermanence, and the interdependence of all things, which connect deeply with other philosophical traditions in India.
Dharma: Dharma is a key concept in Indian philosophy that refers to the moral, ethical, and righteous duties or responsibilities one must follow in life. It encompasses an individual's obligations to themselves, their family, society, and the universe, often varying based on one's age, caste, and life situation. This concept is foundational to various Indian philosophical traditions and influences how individuals navigate their lives and spiritual paths.
Gautama Buddha: Gautama Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama, is the founder of Buddhism and a pivotal figure in Indian philosophy, born around the 5th century BCE. He attained enlightenment and offered profound teachings on suffering, the nature of reality, and the path to liberation from samsara, which connects to key concepts like karma and rebirth. His insights laid the groundwork for understanding human purpose and the ultimate goals of life, influencing countless seekers on their spiritual journeys.
Jainism: Jainism is an ancient Indian religion that emphasizes non-violence, truth, and asceticism as a path to liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth. It plays a crucial role in the development of Indian philosophical thought by advocating for a distinct understanding of ethics, reality, and the nature of the self.
Karma: Karma refers to the law of cause and effect in which an individual's actions (both good and bad) influence their future circumstances and experiences, particularly in the context of reincarnation. This concept connects deeply with ideas of moral responsibility and ethical living across various Indian philosophical traditions.
Maya: Maya refers to the concept of illusion or the deceptive nature of the material world in Indian philosophy, particularly within Vedanta. It suggests that the world we perceive is not the ultimate reality but rather a veil that obscures the true nature of existence, leading to misidentification with the physical realm instead of recognizing the underlying spiritual truth.
Moksha: Moksha refers to the liberation or release from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) in Indian philosophy. It signifies the ultimate goal of human existence, where the individual soul (atman) is united with the absolute reality (Brahman) or attains a state of eternal bliss and knowledge.
Nirvana: Nirvana is a central concept in Indian philosophy, especially in Buddhism, representing the ultimate state of liberation and freedom from suffering, desire, and the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara). Achieving nirvana signifies the end of all desires and attachments, leading to a profound state of peace and enlightenment, which is crucial to understanding key philosophical ideas surrounding liberation and the nature of existence.
Pramana: Pramana refers to the means or sources of knowledge in Indian philosophy, highlighting the methods through which one can attain valid knowledge or understanding. This concept is fundamental in various schools of Indian thought as it establishes the criteria for distinguishing true knowledge from false beliefs and misconceptions, influencing the development of epistemology, logic, and metaphysics.
Samsara: Samsara refers to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that all living beings undergo in Indian philosophy. This ongoing process is often seen as a state of suffering and entrapment from which individuals seek liberation, highlighting the transient nature of existence and the continual quest for spiritual awakening.
Satyagraha: Satyagraha is a philosophical and political concept that translates to 'truth-force' or 'soul-force,' emphasizing nonviolent resistance as a means for social and political change. This approach was popularized by Mahatma Gandhi and is rooted in the belief that truth and moral righteousness can overcome oppression without resorting to violence. Satyagraha connects deeply with Indian philosophical traditions, reflecting values of ahimsa (nonviolence) and the search for truth, making it relevant to contemporary global challenges, particularly in the pursuit of justice and human rights.