The Six Darshanas (Orthodox Schools)

2026-01-10

Indian philosophy is broadly classified into Astika (Orthodox) and Nastika (Heterodox). The six Astika schools accept the authority of the Vedas.

The Six Schools

  1. Nyaya (Logic): Founded by Gautama. Focuses on logic and epistemology.
  2. Vaisheshika (Atomism): Founded by Kanada. Proposes that the universe is reducible to atoms.
  3. Samkhya (Dualism): Founded by Kapila. Dualism of Purusha (Consciousness) and Prakriti (Matter).
  4. Yoga (Discipline): Founded by Patanjali. Practical path to liberation (Raja Yoga).
  5. Mimamsa (Ritualism): Founded by Jaimini. Focuses on Vedic rituals and dharma.
  6. Vedanta (End of Vedas): Focuses on the Upanishads, Brahman, and Atman. Sub-schools: Advaita, Vishishtadvaita, Dvaita.

Timeline

  • c. 600-200 BCE: Formation of the Sutras for each school.
  • c. 200 CE: Compilation of Yoga Sutras.
  • c. 800 CE: Adi Shankaracharya consolidates Advaita Vedanta.