The Shad Darshanas, also known as the Six Schools of Indian Philosophy, are the traditional classification of the different philosophical schools that emerged in ancient India. Each of these schools offers a distinct perspective on the nature of reality, the self, and the ultimate goal of human existence.
Here are the main thinkers associated with each of the six schools:
- Samkhya: The Samkhya
school was founded by Sage Kapila. Its main exponent is Ishvara Krishna.
- Yoga: The Yoga school was
founded by Sage Patanjali. Its main exponent is Vyasa.
- Nyaya: The Nyaya school
was founded by Sage Gautama. Its main exponent is Udayana.
- Vaisheshika: The
Vaisheshika school was founded by Sage Kanada. Its main exponent is
Prashastapada.
- Mimamsa: The Mimamsa
school was founded by Sage Jaimini. Its main exponent is Shabara.
- Vedanta: The Vedanta
school has three major sub-schools, each with its own set of thinkers:
- Advaita Vedanta: The main
exponent of Advaita Vedanta is Adi Shankaracharya.
- Vishishtadvaita Vedanta:
The main exponent of Vishishtadvaita Vedanta is Ramanuja.
- Dvaita Vedanta: The main
exponent of Dvaita Vedanta is Madhvacharya.
