Hindu Philosophy

HINDU PHILOSOPHY by THEOS BERNARD. PREFACE: This book is an attempt to outline the essence of the six classic systems of Hindu Philosophy, namely; Nyaya, VaiSesika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, and Vedanta. All other schools of thought are but variations of these six. I felt it necessary to present only one additional ; chool, namely Ka& mlr Saivism which gives the most detailed analysis ) f 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 me realize that the basis of all the schools is the same. Together they : orm a graduated interpretation of the Ultimate Reality. Each school s based on the same metaphysical doctrine, while discussing some Darticular aspect of the whole. For example: Nyaya discusses the neans by which knowledge may be had of the Ultimate Reality; ^ ai& esika, the things to be known about that Ultimate Reality; Samkhya, the evolution of metaphysical doctrine; Yoga, the meta physical doctrine in relation to the individual; Mrrnamsa, the rules md method of interpreting the doctrine; Vedanta, the relationship Between God, Matter, and the world; and Kamir Saivism, the nature > f 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, : here is no attempt to prove or disprove but rather to present the system of each school many eminent scholars have ably discussed : he philosophical implications in full detail. My problem has been me of deciding what would be omitted rather than what should be ncluded. 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 con cept 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. In 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 is a synthesis rather than an original contribution. In its preparation, I have relied extensively upon the writings of recog nized authorities on Hindu Philosophy.