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PREFACE

         This book is an attempt to outline the essence of the six classic systems of Hindu Philosophy, namely: Nyãya, Vaisesika, Sãmkhya, Yoga, Mĩmãmsa, and Vedanta. All other schools of thought are but variations of these six. I felt it necessary to present only one additional school, namely Kãsmĩr Saivism which gives the most detailed analysis of the Ultimate Principle; however, it can hardly be fully understood until the other six systems are comprehended.

        To understand correctly Hindu Philosophy, it is para­mount that one realize that the basis of all the schools is the same. Together they form a graduated interpreta­tion of the Ultimate Reality. Each school is based on the same metaphysical doctrine, while discussing some parti­cular aspect of the whole. For example: Nyãya discusses the means by which knowledge may be had of the Ulti­mate Reality; Vaisesika, the things to be known about that Ultimate Reality; Sãmkhya, the evolution of meta­physical doctrine; Yoga, the metaphysical doctrine in relation to the individual; Mĩmamsã, the rules and method of interpreting the doctrine; Vedanta, the relationship between God, Matter, and the world; and Kãsmir Saivism, the nature of the Ultimate Spirit and the Cause of the Initial Impulse. This outline is intended merely to show the interrelationship of these schools and how each assumes the doctrines of the other while it solves its special problem.

         In this introduction to the classic philosophical schools of India, there is no attempt to prove or disprove but rather to present the system of each school—many eminent scholars nave ably discussed the philosophical implications in full detail. My problem has been one of deciding what would be omitted rather than what should be in­cluded. Only the essentials of each system are presented.

         According to the classic schools of Hindu Philosophy, the method by which the individual can evolve himself during this life is through the practice of Yoga. This is the universal technique recommended to enable man to acquire actual insight into the true nature of things. All schools agree that until the faith is fortified with under­standing, little progress can be made, for knowledge without application is like medicine, that is not taken.

         To aid those who do not have a knowledge of Sanskrit, each term, in most cases, is defined when it is introduced, giving the seed concept of the word, so that the intended metaphysical idea can be more readily grasped. For future reference a glossary of all important terms has been provided in the hope that it may aid those who wish to read some of the recommended bibliographical material, [n the use of the English translation of these technical San­skrit terms, one is cautioned not to take them literally, for it is impossible to adequately translate them. Various writers have used different translations which will be the source of confusion at first. However, if one learns to use the technical term, he will soon grasp its full connotation.

         This work b a synthesis rather than an original contri­bution. In its preparation, I have relied extensively upon die writings of recognized authorities on Hindu Philosophy. For the sake of simplification, I have avoided extensive use of quotations and footnotes, and I have made use of the traditional chronology throughout without comment.

         In conclusion, I wish to express my gratitude to those authors, listed in the bibliography, from whose works I have drawn. Special mention should be made of two outstanding guides: Indian Philosophy by S. Radhakrishnan, and A Histoty of Indian Philosophy by S. Dasgupta. I am also indebted to Professor Herbert w. Schneider, for many helpful recommendations in the preparation of the manu­script, and to Professor Loub H. Grey, for his constructive criticism and technical assistance.

Theos Bernard

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE

INTRODUCTION

Purpose of Hindu Philosophy

Test of Philosophy

The Darsanas

Influence

Samkara

Ramanuja

Madhva

Kãsmĩr

Saivism

The Tantras

Saivism

Saktism

Vaisnavism

NYÃYA

Purpose

Scope Philosophy Literature

VAISESIKA

Purpose

Scope

Philosophy

Paramdnus

Ãkãia

Kăla

Dik

Ẵtman

Manas

Literature

SAMKHYA

Purpose

Scope

Philosophy

Purusa

Prakfti

The Gtufas

Mahal

Ahamkira

Manas

Indriyas

Tasanitras

Mahãbhũtas

Literature

YOGA

Purpose

Scope

Philosophy

Jiaa

Gunas        

Cilia

Buddhi

AhamkSra

Manas

Indriyas

Tanmãtras

Bhũtas

Literature

MĨMAMSA

Purpose

Scope

Philosophy

Literature

VEDÃNTA

Purpose

Scope         

Philosophy

Brahman

Ãtman

Mãyã

Literature

KASMĨR SAIVISM

Purpose

Scope

Philosophy

The Siva Tattoo

The Sakti Tattoo

The Sadãtiva Tattva

The Isvara Tattva

The Sadvidyã Tattoo

The Mãyã Tattoo and Its Eoolutes

The Kancukas

Literature

GENERAL WORKS

Nyãya

Váisesika

Sãmkhya

Yoga

Mimãihsã

Vedãnta

Kãsmir Saivism

ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS

GLOSSARY

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