Understanding Hindu Darshanas: The Six Classical Schools of Hindu Philosophy Hindu philosophy, or darshana, which is a Sanskrit word meaning vision or view, actually holds some deep, serious insights into existence, consciousness, and reality. The six classical darshanas are important foundations for anyone who wants to study Hinduism in depth. 

The Six classical Darshanas 

 1. Nyaya (Logic)

Founded by sage Gautama (not to be confused with the Buddha), Nyaya covers the topics of epistemology and logical reasoning. The Nyaya Sutras (c. 2nd century B.C.E.) form a systematic masterly collection of the means to proper cognition (pramanas) through which valid knowledge can be acquired. Key Reference: Nyaya Sutras 1.1.1 states: "Through proper knowledge of these sixteen categories, the highest good comes." These categories are classified according to the means of valid knowledge, the objects of valid knowledge, and the process of reasoning.

2. Vaisheshika (Atomism) 

Ascribed to sage Kanada, Vaisheshika studies an atom and the classes of reality. The Vaisheshika Sutras present a more formally structured classification of the reality into six (afterwards raised to seven) padarthas or categories. Key reference: Vaisheshika Sutras 1.1.4 states: "Dharma is that from which result happiness and ultimate good," thus grounding ethics into an atomic reality.

3. Samkhya (Enumeration)  

Founded by Sage Kapila, it is considered as one of the oldesr hindu philosophies, It believes in a dualistic universe consiting of two Eternal realities : Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter). The Samkhya Karika of Ishvarakrishna (c. 4-5 centuries CE) is considered the foundational text of this school. Key reference: Samkhya Karika, verse 19: "The conjunction of Purusha and Prakriti happens for the purpose of the conemplation of Prakriti and for the isolation of Purusha;" which gives the meaning of our existence. 

4. Yoga (Union)   

This darshana was codified by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras (c. 2nd century B.C.E.). It talks about applying through practice and meditation an eight-limbed path (Ashtanga Yoga) to the union with the divine. Key Reference: Yoga Sutras 1.2 says: "Yoga is the stilling of the fluctuations of the mind", capturing the very essence of practice in yoga philosophy. 

5. Mimamsa (Investigation)   

As founded by Jaimini, Mimamsa centers on rituals, dharmas, and interpreting Vedic texts. The Mimamsa sutras contain hermeneutical principles for interpreting injunctions found within the Vedas. Key Reference: Mimamsa Sutras 1.1.2 asserts- "Dharma is a purpose which is known through Vedic injunction," establishing the authority of Vedic knowledge. 

6. Vedanta (End of Vedas) 

Collectively known as the Prasthanatrayi, the Vedanta is to be read as the Upanashid, Brahama Sutras, and Bhagavad Gita.. Vedanta therefore addresses final truth or self-realization. Establishing Advaita Vedanta (non-duality), Adi Shankaracharya (8th century CE) is the leading advocate in this line. Brahma Sutras 1.1.2 states: Janmādy asya yataḥ. Establishing Brahman as the source from which all arises,

Integration in Hindu Thought  

These six darshanas are complementary but not contrary; each one speaks of a different aspect of reality and spiritual inquiry. The result is a coherent philosophical framework that allows the individual to interpret in whichever manner spirituality suggests. 

The Bhagavad Gita (i.e., c. 5th-2nd century BCE) contains threads of all therefore, as Lord Krishna said in 4.11: "In whatever way people surrender unto me, I reciprocate accordingly". 

Relevance to the Modern Age    

These darshanas now deliver applicable wisdom for the modern seeker: 

Nyaya teaches the logic of critical thinking. 

Vaisheshika instructs one with regard to the analytical framework within which one understands physical reality. 

Samkhya offers the notion of a psychological understanding of how mind interacts with matter. 

Yoga teaches practical techniques of mental discipline and spiritual growth. 

Mimamsa establishes ethical frameworks through the interpretation of the texts. 

Vedanta brings ultimate questions about oneself and reality.  

Further Studies 

Very approachable openings may be found in S. Radhakrishnan's "Indian Philosophy" or Swami Vivekananda's "Jnana Yoga". The "Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda" and Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan's version of "The Principal Upanishads" also illuminate.

Hindu philosophy is indeed to be lived, not just contemplated. As it says in the Mundaka Upanishad (3.2.3): "This Self cannot be attained by instruction, nor by intellectual power, nor even through much hearing. It is to be attained only by the one whom the Self chooses. To such a one, the Self reveals its own nature."