Detailed Briefing: Indian Knowledge Systems, Philosophy, and Eternal Spirituality
This briefing summarises the key themes and important facts from the provided sources: "दार्शनिक अन्वीक्षण (dārśanika anvīkṣaṇa – Philosophical Inquiry): Part-1 (video)" and "भारतीय सनातनधर्म (bhāratīīya sanātanadharma - Indian Eternal Spirituality) (PART-1)". It delves into the nature of philosophy, its classifications, the concept of Indian eternal spirituality (Sanatana Dharma), the evolution of religion, and the vast corpus of sacred scriptures.
1. The Essence of Philosophy (Tatwa Darshana)
The first source, "Philosophical Inquiry", defines philosophy by exploring its etymological roots in both Greek and Indian traditions.
- Indian Understanding: Tatwa DarshanaIn India, philosophy is called Tatwa Darshana.
- Tatwa means "suchness" or "thatness" – the essence of existence as it is.
- Darshana means "a vision, perspective, or view".
- Therefore, Tatwa Darshana is a "view of the suchness or thatness or of the existence of whatever is there as it is – trying to understand it".
- Greek Understanding: PhilosophiaThe English term "philosophy" is derived from the Greek "philosophia", splitting into "philo" (love) and "sophia" (wisdom). Thus, it means "a love for wisdom".
- Definition by Pulatupati Raju:Pulatupati Raju, in "The Philosophical Traditions of India," defines "Darshana" as "seeing, looking at, viewing and therefore sight, look or view". He clarifies that "perception here does not mean direct knowledge like the seeing of colours or the hearing of sounds but a mental view".
- He notes that philosophical theories "may be spiritual or materialistic," encompassing diverse perspectives, including atheistic, theistic, and all combinations.
2. Metaphysics and its Enduring Relevance
Metaphysics is presented as closely related to philosophy, often used interchangeably, though with subtle differences.
- Etymological Roots:Greek: "Meta" (beyond or after) and "Physica" (nature), meaning "beyond nature". It denotes "any analysis or inquiry beyond the basic understanding of nature".
- Sanskrit: "Anvikshiki," derived from "anvak" (following) and "ikshika" (view), meaning "a perspective that follows some observation."
- Formal Definitions:Ashtadhyayi (Sanskrit grammar): "Hearing followed by seeing and completely engaged in the thinking about its purpose."
- Amarakosha (Sanskrit lexicon): Synonymous with "inquiry" and related to logic, science, and scripture.
- Kautilya's Arthashastra: Kautilya glorifies Anvikshiki as "the lamp of all sciences, the resource of all actions and the shelter of all virtues," stating it "illuminator of all other branches of knowledge, the medium for all actions and the protector of all the principles."
- Modern Resurgence: The source highlights that "the value of metaphysics particularly in the last two centuries has been downplayed," but "thanks to AI and quantum physics and other areas the domain or the relevance of metaphysics is again surging back." This suggests its crucial role in understanding emerging scientific and technological advancements.
3. The Three Functions of True Philosophy (Swami Abhedananda)
Swami Abhedananda, a direct disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, outlines three key functions of "true philosophy":
- Coordination and Generalisation: It "must coordinate ultimate results arrived at by special branches of knowledge which call science and taking up the conclusions it must form the widest generalizations possible." Philosophy thus acts as a meta-science, synthesising scientific findings.
- Investigation of Knowledge (Epistemology): It "must investigate the realm of knowledge and trace its source." This function is called "epistemology or science of knowledge," ensuring the authenticity and reliability of information.
- Leading to the Absolute: Its third function is to "lead our minds into the realm of the absolute," helping individuals "reach out to the absolute, the highest state of consciousness, we may call it as god or truth or whatever name we would like to give."
- Sanatana Dharma's View: According to Sanatana Dharma, "true philosophy is Jnana and that Jnana is based on reason (Yukti), experience (Anubhava) and faith (Shraddha)," which together provide a holistic and experience-driven wisdom.
4. Grades of Philosophical Thought (Krishna Chandra Bhattacharya)
Krishna Chandra Bhattacharya proposes four graded levels of philosophical inquiry into reality:
- Empirical Level: Based on observing the external world through the senses.
- Pure Objective Thought: Internalising the objective world from a subjective viewpoint.
- Spiritual Thought: Inquiry into spiritual concepts, where "the subject and the object is not specifically differentiated."
- Transcendent Thought: The "final state of the absolute truth," transcending previous states.
This four-step approach is likened to the four states of human consciousness in the Mandukya Upanishad: Jagrat Avastha (waking), Svapna Avastha (dream), Sushupti Avastha (deep sleep), and Turiya Avastha (the fourth, holistic state of trance).
5. Branches of Philosophy
Bhattacharya broadly classifies philosophy into three major strains:
- Object Philosophy (Vastu Darshana): Focusing on the objective side of life (Ontology).
- Subject Philosophy (Atma Darshana): Focusing on the subjective side of life (Spirituality).
- Truth Philosophy (Satya Darshana): The epistemological side of life (Epistemology).
These broad divisions further branch into numerous sub-domains, including:
- Ontology: Study of being or existence. (Sanskrit: Satwa Vidya)
- Epistemology: Study of knowledge, how we know about existence. (Sanskrit: Satya Vidya – study of truth)
- Psychology (Philosophy of Mind/Consciousness Studies): Understanding the role of consciousness as a realm of reality.
- Axiology: Study of values and ethics.
- Cosmology: Study of the cosmos or universe. (Sanskrit: Prapancha Vijnana/Vidya)
- Theology: Study of God, its existence, non-existence, and relationship with the world and humanity. This is where "religion and philosophy shake their hands."
- Soteriology: Science of salvation or liberation (more prevalent in Western/Christian schools, equivalent to Moksha Dharma in Indian traditions).
- Eschatology: Study of the final state of collective consciousness, the end-state of the world (more prevalent in Western philosophy).
- Ethics: Moral philosophy.
- Aesthetics: Study of the senses and sensory topics, beauty, and art. (Sanskrit: Rasalankara)
- Etymology: Study of the origin of words. (Sanskrit: Vyutpatti Shastra)
- Ritual Science: Study of actions or rituals. (Sanskrit: Kriya Vidya)
- Hermeneutics: Art of interpreting or deriving meaning from words and knowledge, especially from scriptures. (Sanskrit: Mimamsa)
Metaphysics is highlighted as a "cross-cutting domain" that "integrates them all into an integrated whole," transcending specific domains.
6. Geographical Classification of Philosophy: East vs. West
Philosophy is broadly classified into:
- Oriental Philosophy (Eastern Philosophy):
- Indian Philosophy: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism. Notably, in India, "philosophy is very tightly integrated with religion, even atheistic schools will follow on will come under relig form of a religion here."
- Chinese Philosophy: Taoism, Confucianism, Chinese Buddhism.
- Japanese Philosophy: Shintoism, Japanese Buddhism.
- Tibetan Philosophy: Predominantly extended Buddhist philosophy.
- Accidental Philosophy (Western Philosophy):
- Ancient Schools: Greek (Pre-Socratic, Classical, Hellenistic), Jewish/Israeli, Persian (Zoroastrianism).
- Medieval Philosophy: Roman/Christian, Arabic/Islamic, Jewish Scholasticism.
- Modern European Philosophy: Idealism, Materialism (e.g., Marxism).
- Postmodern Philosophy: Analytical (predominantly American), Continental (European).
- Philosophy of Science: A global, cross-cutting field.
- Harmonising Ideals: Swami Vivekananda stresses the difference, with the Orient focusing on "the world of spirit" and "spirituality" (e.g., Purusharthas like Moksha Dharma), while the Occident focuses differently, but "the present adjustment will be the harmonizing, the mingling of the two ideals." The message is clear: "Orient and Accidental are no more to be separated." An integral approach is advocated, scrutinising and internalising all inputs.
7. Historical Eras of Philosophy
Four high-level historical eras are identified:
- Axial Age: Early emergence.
- Plastic Development: Shaping of early schools.
- Systematic Philosophy: Formalisation and structured thought.
- Specialisation and Globalisation: Modern developments and interconnectedness.
A key observation is "parallel developments" and "simultaneous evolution in East and West," with "lot of exchange knowledge exchange between these geographies."
8. Religion: Perspective and Evolution
The second source, "Indian Eternal Spirituality," begins by defining religion and tracing its global evolution.
- Defining Religion:Philosophy of Religion: "A conceptual system that provides an interpretation of the world and the place of human beings in it... and expresses their interpretation and lifestyle in a set of rituals and institutions and practices."
- Swami Vivekananda: "Religion is a manifestation of the divinity already in man," serving as a means for this inner divinity to manifest.
- Introduction to Religious Philosophy: "A commitment to kind of quality of life that purpose to recognize a source beyond itself usually but not necessarily called god."
- General Definition: "The body of teachings and prescribed practices about an ultimate sacred reality or a state of being that calls for reverence or eve."
- Five Stages of Religious Evolution (Robert Bellah's Model):Nature Worship: Early man's confrontation with and eventual surrender to nature's power, leading to worship of sun, trees, mountains, animals etc.
- Symbolic Worship: Moving from direct nature worship to symbols of nature (e.g., phallic symbols, tree symbols).
- Anthropic Worship (Image Worship): As human intelligence grew, humans conceived of God in their own image, "because he understood that he is the most intelligent species on earth so something more intelligent he couldn't conceive of."
- Organised Schools: Religion becomes more structured with "governance," defining "what is right, what is wrong," "sin and what is good," and the "final purpose of man."
- Social Angle: The broader societal impact and integration of religious thought.
9. Global Religious Landscape and Branches
The source provides an overview of mainstream religions:
- South Asian Religions: Confucianism, Taoism, Shintoism (though Shintoism is geographically East Asian).
- Indian Born/Native Religions: Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism (though Zoroastrianism originated in ancient Persia).
- Abrahamic Religions: Judaism (the "ancient parent"), Christianity, Islam, Baha'i Faith.
Within Hinduism, various theological traditions are mentioned, formalised under "Shanmata Sampradaya" by Adi Shankaracharya: Vaishnava, Ganapatya, Kaumaram, Shakta, Saiva, and Saura. Diverse schools like Advaita, Vishishtadvaita, Dvaita, and specific traditions like Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's and Vallabhacharya's are also noted.
Buddhism's three main branches are highlighted: Hinayana (Theravada), Mahayana, and Vajrayana (Tantric Buddhism). The spread of Buddhism through Asia is attributed to figures like Ashoka.
10. Sacred Scriptures (Shastras)
- Definition of Shastra:A Sanskrit term derived from "shas" (to instruct or teach) and "tra" (which protects).
- It "provides a guideline or a text or a divinity" that "carries the spiritual seeker in his journey by providing the right way of looking at the spiritual quest."
- Shastras are a "corpus of spiritual wisdom gathered by various seers (Rishis), sages (Munis), and poets (Kavis)."
- Two Kinds of Scriptural Wisdom:Darshita Jnana (Revealed Wisdom): "Top-down" revelations from a "highest spiritual consciousness" (God) descending for humanity's spiritual progress (e.g., Vedic revelations, Abrahamic revelations). This is compared to rainfall, descending from above.
- Discovered Wisdom: "Bottom-up" approach, where "man tunes himself or spiritualizes himself from this ordinary state of consciousness to a higher state." This is compared to water evaporating and rising.
- The flow of sacred wisdom is depicted as a cycle, a spiritual journey, compared to the flow of sacred rivers like the Ganges, representing a "descent of the Shastra."
- Structure of Scriptural Literature:Sutras: Concise formulas encapsulating philosophical concepts for memory and contemplation.
- Bhashyas: Explanatory notes expanding upon Sutras, providing detailed interpretations.
- Vrittis/Tikas/Vartikas: Further commentaries and expansions on Bhashyas.
11. Vedic Tradition
The Vedic corpus is foundational to Indian philosophy and spirituality.
- Four Vedas:Rigveda: The oldest and most sacred, considered the "mother of all Vedic corpus," with most other mantras being direct or indirect references.
- Yajurveda: Divided into Krishna Yajurveda (black, more ritualistic, prevalent in South India) and Shukla Yajurveda (white, more pristine and musical in chanting, with clearer classifications).
- Samaveda: Known for its musical rendering and chanting.
- Atharvaveda: The last offshoot, providing a "linkage between the Vedic corpus and the Tantric concepts," bridging different schools of thought. It played a major role in the philosophical concept of Brahman.
- Horizontal Classification of Vedas: Each Veda is horizontally classified into four groups:
- Mantra Section: Hymns and prayers.
- Brahmana Section: Ritualistic injunctions and explanations.
- Aranyaka Section: Forest treatises, providing deeper philosophical and meditative insights, often seen as an "inward journey."
- Upanishad Section: Philosophical treatises forming the "Vedanta" (end of the Vedas), focusing on the nature of Brahman and the self. They highlight the spiritual journey from a polytheistic outlook (multiple devatas) to a monistic (all-embracing concept of Brahman).
- Vedangas (Limbs of the Vedas): Auxiliary sciences for understanding the Vedas, compared to body organs of Brahmapurusha (the Veda as Brahman).
- Siksha: Phonetics (pronunciation).
- Nirukta: Etymology/lexicography (meaning of words).
- Chandas: Prosody/meter (rules of chanting).
- Jyotisha: Astronomy/astrology (timing of rituals, considered the "eye of Veda").
- Kalpa: Ritual manuals.
- Vyakarana: Grammar.
- Upavedas (Ancillary Vedas): Practical sciences related to Vedic life.
- Arthashastra: Political science and economics.
- Ayurveda: Medicine (health for spiritual pursuit).
- Dhanurveda: Archery/self-defense.
- Gandharvaveda: Music ("Nada Brahma," integral to Hinduism).
12. Agamic Tradition
Agamas represent a parallel stream of scriptures to the Vedas, with a distinct focus.
- Etymology of Agama:"Aaga" (to come) and "ma" (to accept). Implies "descent of spiritual wisdom from a top-down approach" and its acceptance. This is seen as a "descent of grace" (Shaktinipada) from divine sources.
- Core Elements of Agamas: Agamas are described as having a seven-fold nature, including:
- Srishti: Creation.
- Pralaya: Dissolution.
- Diksha: Initiation into the school, a crucial and rich process.
- Yoga: Yogic practices.
- Charya: Conduct and daily practices.
- Kriya: Rituals and temple worship.
- Jnana: Philosophical knowledge/wisdom.
- Distinction from Vedic Tradition:Vedic: Emphasises Homa (fire rituals) as the means of bridging the gap between human and divine. Agni (fire) is seen as a transformer of energy.
- Agamic: Centralises around Vigraha (deity images/idols) and Puja (worship). These Vigrahas can be worshipped internally or externally, with energy channelled through Pranagni (kundalini shakti).
- Fourfold Structure (Pillars): Agamas also have a fourfold structure, often mapped to the Vedic classification:
- Charya: Conduct (corresponding to Mantra/Karma Kanda).
- Kriya: Rituals (corresponding to Brahmana).
- Yoga: Internalisation/yogic union (corresponding to Aranyaka).
- Jnana: Wisdom/philosophical cognitive side (corresponding to Upanishads/Vedanta).
- Layered Architecture (Nested Nature): The four paths can also be seen as nested, moving from external to internal:
- Charya: Conduct.
- Kriya: Externalised rituals (Bahya Karma).
- Yoga: Internalised contemplation.
- Jnana: Philosophical/spiritual knowledge.
- These layers lead to the "same Brahmana Buddhi" (understanding of Brahman), indicating that they are not watertight compartments and one can progress through or enter at any stage depending on aptitude and attitude.
- Six-Dimensional Flow: Agamas describe a six-dimensional flow of spiritual wisdom, encompassing epistemological and ontological aspects, representing both involution and evolution.
- Major Agamic Schools:Shaiva Agamas (Shaivism): Includes philosophical schools (e.g., Shaiva Siddhanta, Kashmir Shaivism), mythological accounts (Puranas), bhakti literature, and texts on Shiva Yogam. The Niswaasa Agama is one of the oldest surviving texts.
- Shakta Agamas (Shaktism): Focused on the Goddess (Shakti).
- Vaishnava Agamas (Vaishnavism): Focused on Vishnu.
The presentation acknowledges its experimental nature and encourages feedback for continuous learning, emphasising the importance of "feedback" in the fine-tuning of wisdom.
