Devotion to Knowledge Philosophies of Hinduism

The Philosophy The basic point : whatever that changes cannot be true. The world as we see it today is not the same as was in the past, and would not be the same in future as well. Hence the world cannot be real. At best, it can be labeled as 'illusive reality' or 'relative truth'. There is one permanent, unchanging Reality or Existence behind this changing universe. It is the essence or substratum of all beings, things, and phenomena.

Systems of Knowledge; Philosophies All aim at release All practice meditation All believe in rebirth All believe in the Vedas Equally as acceptable as gods and temples

Meditation

Samkhya Kapila 6th century Dualism between consciousness and realm of matter All that exists are these two forces Doesn’t really exist anymore, but felt in Yoga and Vedanta

Vedanta “End of knowledge” Badarayana 1st century State of transcendence Cannot be explained by intellect alone Humankind’s downfall is ignorance Material substances do not exist

Mimansa “Investigation” Philosophizes the nature of dharma Primary concern is to avoid rebirth Rebirth avoided through obeying laws of the Vedas, not reason and observation

Nyaya Gaurtama 3rd century School of logic Obtaining valid knowledge is only way to be released from suffering Four sources –Perception –Inference –Comparison –Testimony –Individuals have real knowledge of the word

Vaisheshika 6th century Kanada “particularity” Closely associated with Nyaya Accepts only perception and inference

Yoga “To join” Patanjal 2nd century Attempt to join with Brahma Statues in yoga positions date back to pre-Aryan India Meditation necessary for release from rebirth Four major yoga practices

RajaYoga Path of mental concentration –Make mind absolutely calm and clear –Eight Limbs of Yogic Path Physical conditioning (asana) Breath control (prahayama) Sense control (pratyahara) Concentration (dharana) Meditation (dhyana) State of absorption or ecstacy (samadhi) Abstention (yama) Observance (niyama)

Jnana Yoga Path of knowledge –Ignorance is the root of all problems Basic ignorance is ourselves as being separate from the absolute –Continually ask “who am I?” –Develop spiritual virtues Calmness, restraint, renunciation, resignation, concentration and faith Ultimate wisdom is spiritual rather than intellectual knowledge of the self

Karma Yoga Path of action –Services rendered without any interest in fruits or rewards –No personal sense of giving –All actions, all gifts to Absolute –Leads to liberation from self and work

Bhakti Yoga Path of devotion –Share relationship with a supreme being –Most followed in India Chanting and singing

Yoga