Indian school of philosophy

A webinar on 'Indian school of philosophy' organised by Department of Education,
Manonmaniam Sundaranar University,
Tirunelveli.
Invited Resource Person
A.Veliappan, Ph.D
Faculty, Department of Education
M.S.University, Tirunelveli, TN-627 012

1. Indian School of Philosophy Department of Education, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli .

2. Committee Members Committee Co- members

3. Indian School of Philosophy A.Veliappan, Ph.D Faculty, Department of Education M.S.University, Tirunelveli, TN-627 012

4. Philosophy The word philosophy has a Greek origin. (Philosophia - Phileo and Sophia), meaning-Love of Wisdom. Science of Sciences – Coleridge The mother of all arts – Cisero Philosophy - attempt of reasoning men to think th r o u gh the m ost f u n d a m ental is s ues of life. C a rlis Lamont

5. Branches of Philosophy Meta Physics - Problems of reality (theology, concept of soul, science of universe, science of creation, cosmology.) Epistemology - problems of knowledge Axiology - Problem of Value (Logic, Ethics, Aesthetics)

6. HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT- The Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas and Epics are the sources to know the ancient Indian philosophy and education. Veda is derived from the root of Sanskrit word Vid. Vid means to know God, soul, nature & mind Vedas are the earliest available Indian literature V e d a s B e lie v e In - There are th r ee en t iti e s in this universe – God, Soul and Matter. Ultimate aim of life is to obtain salvation (Moksha) in union with god The concept of one God and one world

7. D r. Radhakr i shnan h as disting u ished b e tween the p erio d s of Indian philosophy. Vedic pe r iod ( 250 b c - 60 b c) This pe r iod deno t es t h e settlement and expansion of the Aryans. Epic period (1000 bc - 600) This period covers the age between early upanishads and the various schools of philosophy. (Ramayana & Mahabharata) Sutra period (600 bc - 200) Schools of philosophy that it gave rise to sutras as a means of encapsulating the literary works . (After Buddha & Mahavir period) Scholastic period (from ad 200) A lot of literary exercises being reduced to polemics that generated controversies.

8. Objective of the Indian Philosophy The main purpose of the Indian Philosophy has been to turn human beings to spiritual. The spiritual destiny is viewed as goal of life as opposed to materialistic pursuits. Every major system of Indian philosophy takes its beginning from the practical and problems of life and searches for the truth in order to solve the problems of life . Al m ost all Indian p h il osophy be li eves th a t rea l i ty is a tt a in ultimately spiritual. " God is one but men call him by many names ". Indian philosophy is clearly characterized by the synthetic approach to the various aspects of experience and reality .

9. Indian Philosophical Schools There were Nine Schools of thought in Indian philosophy Since ancient times Indian philosophy has been categorized into Astika and Nastika schools of thought. The orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy have been called Sad- darsana ("six systems"). Astika schools that accepted the authority of the vedas Nastika schools reject the authority of the vedas

10. Cont… This sche m a was cre a ted betwe e n t h e 12 th and 1 6th centuries by Vedantins The word used for philosophy is Darshana . This word comes from the Sanskrit root drish ( to see / to experience ).

11. Orthodox These are also called the Astika ( Orthodox) philosophical traditions and are those that accept the Vedas as an authoritative, important source of knowledge. It include six systems ( D arsana ) – Sankhya , Yoga , Nyaya , Vaisheshika , Mimamsa and Vedanta . Each school of Hindu philosophy has extensive epistemological literature called Pramana-sastras, as well as theories on metaphysics and axiology.

12. Sankhya School of Philosophy Ety m ology the word “ Sankhy a ” i s derived from the San s krit it means number / enumeration or taking account. (Khya - knowledge, understanding, wisdom) Samkhya means the knowledge or number It is propounded by Maharshi Kapila and also known as Kapila Tantra or Kapila Darshana Metaphysics - This s yst em class ified a ll o bje c ts i n to two categories- 1. Purusha 2. Prakriti PURUSHA - It is the transcendental self and pure consciousness PRAKRITI - It is the first cause of the manifest material universe

13. Model of Reality – Samkhya is a dualistic philosophy , meaning that there is a clear distinction between matter and consciousness - changing and unchanging. There is also a clear distinction between right and wrong , birth and death , and bondage and liberation Samkhya is clear, concrete, and specific, it is the foundation for practical systems of health and wellbeing, mainly Yoga and Ayurveda. Before Samkhya, there was a tendency toward non- dual thinking, which says that everything is just one pure consciousness.

14. Goal of Samkhya Philosophy - Freedom from Pain and Suffering. If the pain in our body or mind is so deep that we can‟t get rid of it, then we want to get rid of our body or mind. Our body , mind, and consciousness are all intermingled . Therefore, do not impose the thought on yourself that you are just pure consciousness and that pain and pleasure are an illusion . Life means integration of - some desirable and some undesirable.

15. Yoga School of Philosophy Y o ga philoso p hy is on e o f the s ix m ajor o r th o dox schools of Hinduism. Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word „Yuj‟ which means to unite or to join. The Yoga school's systematic studies to better oneself physically , mentally and spiritually has influenced all other schools of Indian philosophy. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is a key text of the Yoga school of Hinduism. It is propound by Rishi Patanjali. It is related with self control through yoga .

16. Rishikesh – known as the birthplace of yoga – is located at the foothills of the Himalayas along the sacred Ganges river. People generally think that yoga is a series of exercises with twisted body poses, it is not so. The main aim of Yoga is to help one connect with one‟s inner spirit , which is connected to the universal spirit or God . Yoga creates a balance between the body and the mind and to attain self-enlightenment.

17. Four Paths of Yoga

18. Vedanta School of Philosophy Vedanta (derived from veda, knowledge; anta, end), literally means end or completion of knowledge. Veda is also the term that designates the ancient scriptures (Shastras) of India. also means “End of the Veda,” and in this sense can refer technically to the final sections of the four-fold Vedas, so-called Upanishads. [ Emerged between the 7th and 8th century CE Vedanta focuses on the three-fold scriptural canon : The Upanishads (600-300 BCE) Bhagavad Gita (circa 200 BCE) Brahma Sutras (circa 200-100 BCE)

19. Cont… Each school of Vedanta aimed to systematically explain the nature of ultimate reality and the goal of human life in accordance with the teachings of the Upanishads . Exploring the Upanishads Upanishad Upa- (near), ni- (down), sad (to sit): sitting near the teacher The Upanishads teach that all life forms move through repeated cycles of birth, death, and rebirth, until final liberation from this cycle. The cycle of death and rebirth is called Samsara . Its fuel or energy is called Karma . The termination of the cycle is called Moksha .

20. Adi Shankaracharya Born 11th May 788 AD, at Kaladi near Kochi, Kerala. Took Samadhi at the age of 33. He is associated with Maya Theory, Advaita Vedanata (Non- Dualism), Tarak Brahma He established four Math (Monastery) at Shingeri, Puri, Dwaraka and Badrinath– for propagation of Sanathana Dharma. Government wants to declare his birthday 11 th May as National Philosopher‟s day and Adi Sankaracharya as “National Philosopher”. Adi Shankaracharya was opposed to Buddhist philosophers.

21. Heterodox Ancient and medieval India was also the source of philosophies that share philosophical concepts but rejected the Vedas, and these have been called nastika (heterodox or non-orthodox) Indian philosophies. Nastika Indian philosophies include Buddhism , Jainism , Charvaka , A jivika ,

22. Buddhist philosophy The Buddha was the first most active missionary in the world Buddha meaning " the awakened one ", or " the one who knows ", He serve humanity both by example and by percept “ Strive on with diligence” were the last words of the Buddha no emancipation or purification can be gained without personal striving Buddhism emphasis on meditation which leads to self-control, purification and enlightenment . Self exertion plays an important part in Buddhism

23. Left out from life … Fir s t : S idd h artha s aw a n old m an , be n t and tre m bl i ng, a nd discovered old age. Second : He saw a sick man suffering from disease Third: He witnessed a funeral procession and a corpse Fourth: He tranquility met a wandering monk despite li v i n g an aust e re who had an i n ner li f e, s uggesting to Siddhartha that he had come to terms with old age, sickness and death. On his 29th birthday, Siddharta renounced his regal life leaving behind his family and went out of the palace At last, he sat under a Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya and did intense penance, after which he got Enlightenment (Nirvana) at the age of thirty five .

24. Goal /Aims of philosophy To follow the moral values of Buddhist religion To achieve the final goal of nirvana To give up caste system. T o e m phasize the p r ogre ss and dev e lop m ent of the soc i e t y r a th e r the individual. To provide education through the new system this was started by Buddha To leave yajna and sacrifices for achieving knowledge Belief/Values of Buddhist philosophy are: The Four Noble Truths Noble Eightfold Path and Five Precepts

25. Major area of philosophy There is suffering in the world, to live is to suffer (DUKHA). The Buddha found this out when he was young and experienced suffering and death in others. The cause of suffering is self centered desire and attachments (TANHA ) The solution is to eliminate desire and attachment ( NIRVANA) To reach NIRAVANA, one must follow the eightfold path

26. Four Noble Truth Suffering - attachment brings suffering Cause of suffering - comes from desire End o f s u ff er i ng - If w e change ou r percep t i on and reduce o u r attachment to desire, suffering will also reduce. Path that leads to the end of suffering - The Buddha said that the way to cease suffering it provides the guidelines for day to day living.

27. Noble Eightfold Path Right Knowledge (View): Seeing the world and everything in it as it really Right Intent: It means persistence and a passion for the journey Right Speech: Involves recognition of the truth, and never to speak in anger. Right Action (Conduct): Recognizes the need to take the ethical approach in life. Also encompasses the five precepts which were given by the Buddha, not to kill, steal, lie, to avoid sexual misconduct, and not to take drugs.

28. Right Livelihood: Doing home-based or community service Right Effort: It means cultivating an enthusiasm, Clear and honest thoughts with positive attitude in a balanced way. And feelings of jealousy and anger left behind. Right Mindfulness (Memory): It means being aware of the moment and focused and to be clear and undistracted at that moment. Right Concentration: It is turning the mind to focus on an object.

29. METHODS OF TEACHING Verbal method, Questions and answers, discussion and debates, Travelling and nature study method, Book method Preaching and conference method. The centers of education were Takshshila, Nalanda, Kashi Mental and moral development were emphasized to attain Bodhisattva. The medium of instruction was common language Disciplined life • Well organized centres. • Ideal student teacher relationship

30. Upasampada & Pabajja Upasampada: Buddhist rite of higher ordination, by which a novice becomes a monk. Pabajja: Ceremony of initiation of education for lower ordination to the rank of novice.

31. Cont.. The primary aim of Buddhism is to break free of the wheel of Samsara and to reach a new level called Nirvana. Truth Nirvana literally means unbinding. it is free from whatever binds you, from the burning passion of desire, jealousy and ignorance .

32. Jainism Philosophy Jainism founded by Rishabdev i.e. Adinath It‟s a collection of teachings of 24 Tirthankars Lord Mahavira - 24 th /final Tirthankara The term Jainism derived from the term “Jin” meaning a person who has overpowered his sensual vices and had obtained full control over his worldly desires .

33. Jain i sm… Jainism is a way of life and one of the oldest religions of the world. It believes in a cyclical nature of universe . It discourages blind faith and encourages free and rational thinking . Jainism lays emphasis on non-violence (ahimsa) and discipline . According to Jain philosophy, all Tirthankaras were born as human beings but they have attained a state of perfection or enlightenment through meditation and self realization. They are the “Gods” of Jains . Jains have always practiced non-violence, vegetarianism, meditation, yoga, and environmentalism.

34. Principles of Jainism Three principles of Jainism / known as Triratnas ( three gems ): Right faith: belief in the teachings and wisdom of Mahavira Right knowledge : acceptance of the theory that there is no God and that the world has been existing without a creator and that all objects possess a soul Right conduct: It refers to the Mahavira observance of the five great vows The Five Great Vows Non-violence ( ahimsa ) Truth (satya) Non-stealing (asteya) Chastity (brahmacharya) Non-possession (aparigrah)

35. Karma Theory The principles governing the successions of life cycles ( birth, life, and death) is Karma . The Theory of Karma is founded on the simple law of cause and effect. What we experience now is the result of our own past action and our future is a function of our own choice and making. Explains the role that karmas play in our lives, how we accumulate karmas, and how we get rid of them. Actions of mind , speech , and body bind us with karma and our intentions and the passions determine the duration, strength and the results of the bondage.

36. What does Jainism Teach about Ecology? Non-Possessiveness Self-restraint is the second most important Jain principle Minimizing consumption provides respect for others’ life and environment. Reuse / Recycle Products – Do not waste the gifts of nature Share resources Nature provides enough for our NEED , but not enough for our GREED

37. MCQs The two basic divisions in Schools of Indian Philosophy are Vedanta and Buddhism Advaita and Dwaita Theistic and Atheistic Orthodox and Heterodox

38. Sankhya philosophy was propounded by- Goutama Kapila Patanjali Bruhaspathi

39. What are the aims of education of Samkhya philosophy? Knowledge Power Attaining perfection of Purusa Attach in perfection of Wealth

40. Founder of Yoga philosophy is Kapila Muni Patanjali M a h a vira D)

41. Which statement/s is/are true as per Buddhist philosophy Maya is root cause of all troubles. Sorrow is the root cause of all troubles. Birth and death are causes of troubles. Getting involved in worldly pursuits is the cause of all troubles. All I, II, III and IV are true. Only I and II are true. Only II and III are true. Only II, III and IV are true.

42. The ceremony of initiation of education in Buddhism is called Vidyarambam Upanayanam Pabajja Uparampada

43. Buddha reached enlightenment at the age of 30 35 40 45

44. A common feature of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism is belief about the Unreality of the world Existence of God Soul Karma and rebirth

45. The ultimate goal of education in Jainism is Non-violence Renunciation Liberation Philanthropy

46. In which language Mahavir gave his first sermon? Pali Sanskrit Prakrit English

47. THANK YOU