UNIT 6 VALUES ENSHRINED IN INDIAN PHILOSOPHY

 Introduction to Indian Philosophy

• Philosophical Questions: Address fundamental inquiries such as the existence of God, human suffering, knowledge, and eternal values.
• Purpose of Philosophy: Helps understand one’s relationship with the external world, overcome fear and self-preservation instincts, and develop innate potential for peace and happiness.
• Spiritual Leaders: Great spiritual leaders offer insights into these questions, guiding philosophical thought.

Objectives

1. Define Philosophy:

   • Philosophy explores fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, and the nature of reality.
   • It helps in rational inquiry into these aspects of life.

2. Philosophy of Life:

   • Each individual may develop a personal philosophy that guides their beliefs, actions, and understanding of the world.

3. Indian Philosophy:

   • Includes diverse schools of thought such as Vedanta, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, and Mimamsa.
   • Rooted in ancient texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and works of philosophers like Shankaracharya and Patanjali.

4. Key Concepts:

   • Atman: The self or soul.
   • Brahman: The ultimate reality or cosmic consciousness.
   • Dharma: Moral duty and righteousness.
   • Karma: Law of cause and effect governing actions and their consequences.
   • Moksha: Liberation or freedom from the cycle of rebirth.
   • Ahimsa: Non-violence as a moral principle.

5. Aims of Indian Philosophy:

   • To understand the nature of reality (Brahman).
   • To attain spiritual liberation (Moksha).
   • To live a righteous life (Dharma).
   • To seek self-realization and inner peace.

6. Teaching Approach:

• Organize discussions, debates, and panel discussions to explore and apply philosophical ideas in practical life.
• Encourage students to analyze texts and philosophical concepts critically.

Philosophy

• Definition: Philosophy comes from the Greek word "philosophia" meaning "love of wisdom". It systematically studies fundamental ideas such as truth, existence, reality, freedom, thought and action, the universe, the role of the individual, fundamental reasons/causes, and the meaning of life.
• Branches of Philosophy:
  • Metaphysics: Concerned with the nature of reality, existence, and the universe.
  • Epistemology: Studies the nature of knowledge and truth.
  • Ethics: Focuses on morality and values, which is the main concern of this unit.
  • Other Branches: Include aesthetics (study of beauty) and logic (study of reasoning).
• Philosophy of Life: Refers to one's outlook towards life and its complexities, based on personal values, beliefs, and traditions.
• Values in Philosophy: Derived from secular sources and universally accepted principles rather than specific religious doctrines, especially in a secular country like India.
• Indian Philosophy:
  • Aims to understand one's relationship with the external world, alleviate fears, develop innate potential, and promote peace and happiness.
  • Key concepts and values are extrapolated from major texts and schools of thought in Indian philosophy.
• Objectives of Study:
• Define philosophy and its relevance to everyday life.
• Identify personal philosophy and relate it to values.
• Understand Indian philosophy's key concepts and aims.
• Analyze different schools of Indian philosophy and extract underlying values.
• Apply these values in practical scenarios through debates and discussions.

Indian Philosophy

• Definition and Scope:

  • Refers to diverse philosophical traditions from around 1500 BCE to the 20th century, including Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Bhakti, Sikh, and Sufi traditions.
  • Influenced by interactions with Islam, Christianity, and Zoroastrianism.

• Important Concepts:

  • Dharma: Cosmic order; individuals must perform their karma (duties/actions) correctly to maintain dharma.
  • Atman: Soul or self.
  • Karma: Actions and their consequences; integral to the cycle of rebirth.
  • Moksha: Liberation from the cycle of rebirth; ultimate spiritual goal.

• Interrelation of Concepts:

  • Neglecting one's duties (karma) affects dharma, leading to imbalance in nature (e.g., environmental issues).
  • Sustainable development is linked with spiritual principles.

• Values in Indian Philosophy:

  • Performance of Duties: Emphasized in the Bhagavad Gita, advocating concentration, determination, fairness, honesty, and detachment from results.
  • Detachment: Doing duties without attachment to outcomes.
  • Ethical Living: Actions impact future lives; emphasizes karma and consequences.

• Aims of Indian Philosophy:

  • Darshana: Seeking truth to lead a life in accordance with perceived truth.
  • Spiritual Progress: Predominantly seeks spiritual enlightenment and liberation (moksha).
  • Common Features: Includes a quest for knowledge, ethics, and guiding principles for human life.

• Schools of Thought:

  • Astik Schools: Believe in the existence of God and uphold Vedic traditions (e.g., Sankhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaishesika).
  • Nastik Schools: Do not believe in God or reject Vedic authority (e.g., Charvaka, Buddhism, Jainism).

• Philosophers as Social Reformers:

  • Influential figures like Shankara, Mahavira, Buddha, Gandhi, Tagore, and Sri Aurobindo were also social reformers advocating for societal well-being and ethical living.

• Theory of Karma:

  • Actions (karma) and their consequences (karma-phala) shape individual lives and determine future outcomes.

• Philosophy and Religion:

• Synergy exists between philosophy and religion in India, emphasizing liberation from ignorance and misery.

HISTORY OF INDIAN PHILOSOPHY

The Vedic Period

• Vedic Literature (1500 BCE - 500 BCE):

  • Samhitas: Collections of hymns in praise of God.
  • Brahmanas: Texts with explanations of the hymns.
  • Aranyakas and Upanishads: Philosophical texts.

• Four Main Samhitas:

  • Rig Veda Samhita: Collection of 1028 hymns.
  • Atharva Veda Samhita: Collection of spells and charms.
  • Sama Veda Samhita: Collection of songs, mostly from Rig Veda.
  • Yajur Veda Samhita: Collection of sacrificial formulas and rituals.

• Meaning and Transmission:

  • Veda means “knowledge”.
  • Developed over centuries and passed orally from generation to generation.
  • Also known as “Sruti” or ‘that which is heard’.

• Values in Vedic Literature:

  • Teacher-Student Bond: Emphasizes mutual protection, energy to acquire knowledge, truth, peace, and harmony.
  • Respect for Elders: Encourages critical thinking and analysis.
  • Honesty: Immensely valued; "Tread on the path of truth" (Yajur Veda, 7.45).
  • Protection of Nature: "Earth is my mother; I am a son of the soil" (Atharva Veda, 12.1.12).
  • Citizenship and Patriotism: "Serve thy motherland" (Rig Veda, 10.18.10).

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Key Points from Vedic Prayers and Hymns:

• Taittriya Aranyaka, 8.1.1:

  • Emphasizes the bond between teachers and students.
  • Values of knowledge, truth, peace, and harmony.

• Yajur Veda, 7.45:

  • Promotes honesty and truthfulness.

• Atharva Veda, 12.1.12:

  • Highlights the importance of nature conservation.

• Rig Veda, 10.18.10:

• Encourages serving the motherland with devotion.

Schools of Indian Philosophy

Division of Schools

• Orthodox (Astika): Accepts the authority of the Vedas.
• Heterodox (Nastika): Rejects the authority of the Vedas.

Orthodox Schools

1. Nyaya (School of Logic)

   • Founder: Aksapada Gautama
   • Key Text: Nyaya Sutra
   • Era: 2nd century B.C.
   • Focus: Logic and epistemology

2. Vaisesika (Atomist School)

   • Founder: Uluka Kanada
   • Key Text: Vaisesika Sutra
   • Era: 2nd - 4th century B.C.
   • Focus: Metaphysics, particularly atomism

3. Samkhya (Enumeration School)

   • Founder: Kapila
   • Era: Pre-2nd century B.C.
   • Focus: Dualism between consciousness (Purusha) and matter (Prakriti)

4. Yoga (School of Patanjali)

   • Founder: Patanjali
   • Key Text: Yoga Sutra
   • Era: 2nd century B.C.
   • Focus: Practical discipline and meditation

5. Purva Mimamsa (Vedic Ritual Interpretation)

   • Founder: Jaimini
   • Key Text: Mimamsa Sutras
   • Era: 2nd century B.C.
   • Focus: Interpretation of Vedic texts and rituals

6. Vedanta (End of the Vedas)

   • Founder: Badarayana
   • Key Text: Brahma Sutras (Vedanta Sutra)
   • Era: Beginning of the Christian era
   • Focus: Vedic philosophy based on the Upanishads

Heterodox Schools

1. Buddhism

   • Founder: Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)
   • Core Concepts: Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path
   • Focus: Ending suffering (Dukkha) through enlightenment (Nirvana)

2. Jainism

   • Founder: Mahavira
   • Core Concepts: Non-violence (Ahimsa), truth (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), celibacy (Brahmacharya), non-possessiveness (Aparigraha)
   • Focus: Liberation of the soul through ethical living

3. Carvaka (Materialist School)

• Core Concepts: Materialism, skepticism about afterlife and karma
• Focus: Sensory experience as the only source of knowledge

Nyaya and Vaisesika: Philosophy and Values

Nyaya School of Logic

Key Concepts

• Method: Scientific rules of reasoning
• Values: Verification, fairness, caution
• Inference Steps:
  1. Proposition: Statement to be proved
  2. Reason: Cause or basis for the statement
  3. Example: Illustration to support the reason
  4. Application: Applying the example to the case
  5. Conclusion: Final judgment based on the above steps

Example of Inference

1. Proposition: There is a fire on the mountain.
2. Reason: Because there is smoke above it.
3. Example: Where there is smoke, there is fire (as in the kitchen).
4. Application: This is the case with the mountain.
5. Conclusion: There is a fire on the mountain.

Conditions for Enquiry

1. Existence of Doubt: Enquiry is undertaken when doubt exists.
2. Possibility of Outcome: There should be a potential outcome.
3. Purpose: Enquiry must have a proper purpose.
4. Contribution to Good: Must contribute to the highest good.

Applications and Values

• Critical Thinking: Encourage logical reasoning in students.
• Non-Judgmental Approach: Promoting fairness.
• Scientific Temper: Developing a methodical approach to problem-solving.
• Educational Methods: Use of projects, debates, and brainstorming.

Vaisesika School of Individual Characteristics

Key Concepts

• Focus: Physics and atomic theory
• Dualism: Separation of matter and soul
• Substances and Qualities: Coexistence is necessary (e.g., a rose and its color)

Six-Fold View of Perception

1. Substance: E.g., Jumbo the dog
2. Quality: Color, shape
3. Action: E.g., barking
4. Part of Larger Family: Dogs
5. Uniqueness: Unique features, e.g., a white patch on the forehead
6. Unification: Synthesis of all features to recognize the entity

Applications and Values

• Science and Mathematics: Useful in teaching analysis and synthesis.
• Geography: Understanding complex systems through individual characteristics.
• Values: Recognizing uniqueness and individualism, fostering a strong sense of identity.

Nyaya:

• Promotes logical reasoning and scientific enquiry.
• Values clarity, purpose, and organized thinking.
• Educational methods include critical thinking exercises and debates.

Vaisesika:

• Focuses on atomic theory and dualism of matter and soul.
• Emphasizes individual characteristics and their synthesis.
• Encourages understanding of uniqueness and identity through detailed analysis.

Samkhya and Yoga: Philosophy and Values

Samkhya School of Enumeration

Key Concepts

• Founder: Kapila
• Oldest Rational System: One of the oldest darshanas, focuses on rational thought.
• Core Idea: Overcoming suffering through knowledge and discernment.
• Values: Learning, discernment, responsibility.

Core Principles

• 25 Tattvas (Principles): Fundamental elements of the universe.
• Cause and Effect: The effect lies in the cause, emphasizing responsibility for actions.
  • Example: Dropping a glass leads to it breaking.
• Perception and Learning:
  • Limited to five senses.
  • Experiential and open-ended learning.
  • Hands-on activities, projects, debates, and discussions are encouraged.

Happiness and Discipline

• Temporary Happiness: Happiness is temporary and linked to changing conditions.
• Fewer Expectations: Accepting limited happiness leads to fewer disappointments.
• Holistic Development: Focus on science, arts, and yoga for a balanced curriculum.

Educational Applications

• Experiential Learning: Incorporate hands-on learning, projects, and discussions.
• Multiple Intelligences: Develop different learning strategies to nurture students' potential.
• Holistic Approach: Integrate arts and yoga to promote overall well-being.

Yoga School

Key Concepts

• Meaning: Derived from Sanskrit "yuj" meaning "to yoke" or "to unite".
• Focus: Spiritual discipline and application.
• Control and Calm: Attaining control over the senses and gaining inner perception.
• Mind Control: Controlling activities of the mind (citta-vritti-nirodha).

Eight Stages of Raja Yoga

1. Yama: Self-control
2. Niyama: Observance
3. Asana: Posture
4. Pranayama: Control of breath
5. Pratyahara: Restraint of the mind
6. Dharana: Concentration on a single object
7. Dhyana: Meditation
8. Samadhi: Deep meditation

Benefits and Values

• Self-Discipline and Control: Enhances self-control and concentration.
• Stress Reduction: Reduces stress and helps control emotions.
• Lifelong Discipline: Beneficial to introduce yoga early in life.

Summary

• Samkhya:

  • Overcoming suffering through knowledge and discernment.
  • Emphasizes responsibility, experiential learning, and holistic development.
  • Teachers should incorporate diverse strategies to nurture potential and promote well-being.

• Yoga:

• Focuses on uniting mind and body through discipline.
• Practices include self-control, breath control, concentration, and meditation.

Mimamsa and Vedanta: Philosophy and Values

Mimamsa School

Key Concepts

• Merged with Vedanta: By the 8th century A.D.
• Purpose: Explanation of the Vedas
• Nature: School of enquiry, not salvation
• Values: Critical analysis, interpretation, understanding of sacred texts

Educational Applications

• Inquiry-Based Learning: Emphasize critical thinking and questioning.
• Textual Analysis: Focus on the study and interpretation of texts.
• Encouragement of Enquiry: Foster curiosity and deep understanding in students.

Vedanta School

Key Concepts

• End of the Vedas: Most important of the six darshanas.
• Influence: Many features of modern Hinduism and philosophy.
• Advaita (Non-Duality): Introduced by Sankara’s commentaries on Brahma Sutras.
  • Monism: Only one being, Brahman, who is the essence of the Universe.
  • Atman is Brahman: The self is the same as Brahman.

Truths in Vedanta

• Conventional Truth: The world created by Brahman and evolved.
• Absolute Truth: The world is an illusion; only Brahman is real.

Example to Explain Vedanta

• Illusion and Reality:
  • Rope and Snake: A traveler mistakes a coiled rope for a snake.
  • False Perception: Causes fear and physical reaction.
  • Realization: Touching the rope removes the false idea, eliminating fear.

Values and Applications

• Desire for Knowledge: Encouraging the pursuit of truth and understanding.
• Removing Ignorance: Emphasizing the importance of overcoming false ideas.
• Critical Thinking: Encouraging analysis and questioning to discover truth.
• Educational Methods: Debates, discussions, critical questions, interactive sessions.

Summary

• Mimamsa:

  • Focuses on the explanation and interpretation of the Vedas.
  • Values critical analysis, enquiry, and deep understanding.
  • Educational methods include inquiry-based learning and textual analysis.

• Vedanta:

• Emphasizes the unity of the self (atman) and Brahman.
• Differentiates between conventional and absolute truths.
• Encourages the removal of ignorance through critical thinking and enquiry.
• Educational methods include debates, discussions, and interactive sessions.

Visistadvaita and the Upanishads: Philosophy and Values

Visistadvaita

Key Concepts

• Qualified Monism: The soul is one with God but also exists separately.
• Developed by Ramanuja: 11th – 12th century A.D.
• Bhakti Yoga: Intense devotion, where the devotee realizes they are part of God and surrenders completely.
• Relationship: Between Brahman (God) and the individual devotee.
• Yoga Practices:
  • Karmayoga (Work)
  • Jnanyoga (Knowledge)
  • Bhaktiyoga (Devotion)
• Influence: Followers include Sri Aurobindo, Swami Vivekananda, Dr. S.Radhakrishnan.

Educational Applications

• Devotion and Surrender: Encourage students to develop a personal relationship with the divine.
• Yoga Practices: Incorporate elements of karma, knowledge, and devotion in learning.
• Historical Context: Teach about influential followers and their contributions.

The Upanishads

Key Concepts

• Revealed by Gods: Considered divine revelations.
• Meaning of Upanishad: Derived from Sanskrit words 'upa' (near), 'ni' (down), and 'sad' (to sit).
• Guru-Shishya Tradition: Learning by sitting near a spiritual teacher or guru.
• Concept of God: A loving and forgiving deity.

Educational Applications

• Relational Learning: Encourage students to view God as a friend and confidant.
• Experiential Activities: Organize visits to historical places of worship and exhibitions.
• Service Activities: Engage students in community service projects to instill values of compassion and empathy.

Heterodox Schools: Philosophy and Values

Overview

• Nastikas: Do not accept the authority of the Vedas and God.
• Examples: Buddhism, Jainism, Carvakas.
• Purpose: Challenge the predominance of the Brahmins in society.

Buddhism

Key Concepts

• Teachings of Buddha: Siddhartha Gautama.
• Religious Tolerance: Central to Buddhist philosophy.
• Three Marks of Existence: Features of the universe.
• No Immortal Soul: Belief in anatta (non-self).

Jainism

Key Concepts

• One of the Oldest Religions: 24th Tirthankara, Mahavira.
• Interaction of Jiva and Ajiva: Living and non-living elements.
• Liberation (Mukti): Achieved by stripping the soul of Ajiva bondage.
• Values: Self-discipline, self-control, non-violence, and respect for all objects.

Educational Applications

• Tolerance and Respect: Promote religious tolerance and respect for all forms of life.
• Self-Discipline: Encourage practices that foster self-control and positive thinking.
• Service and Non-Violence: Integrate activities that highlight the importance of non-violence and community service.

Bhakti, Sikhism, Islam and Sufism, Christianity, and Modern Philosophy

a) Bhakti Movement

• Period: 7th - 13th century A.D.
• Focus: Devotion and practice of values over rituals
• Values: Tolerance, love for all religions
• Famous Saints: Shankaracharya, Ramanuja, Ramananda, Kabir, Srichaitanya, Mirabai

b) Sikhism

• Founder: Guru Nanak
• Core Practices:
  • Chanting (Naam Japna): Remembering God at all times
  • Earning (Kirat Karo): Making a living honestly without exploitation or fraud
  • Sharing (Vand Chakko): Helping those in need
• Belief: Oneness of God (Allah and Hindu God)

c) Islam

• Introduction in India: 8th century A.D.
• Mughal Emperor Akbar’s ‘Din-i-Ilahi’: Attempt to integrate the best practices of all religions
• Philosophical Thoughts:
  • Kalam: Islamic theological questions
  • Falsafa: Influenced by Greek philosophy (Aristotle and Plato)
• Key Practices:
  • Washing before prayers
  • Regularity of prayers
  • Fasting in the month of Ramzan
  • Zakat (charitable payment)
• Values: Cleanliness, fasting, charity

d) Sufism

• Period: 13th - 15th centuries A.D.
• Influences: Greek philosophy (Aristotle and Plato)
• Belief: Divine love and knowledge through personal experience of God
• Practice: Self-control and loving devotion to God
• Famous Sufi Saints: Nizamuddin Auliya, Nasiruddin Chirag, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti

e) Christianity

• Introduction in India: 52 A.D.
• Core Beliefs:
  • God as the Alpha and Omega: Beginning and end
  • Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
  • Salvation through Jesus Christ: Redemption from wrongdoing
  • Resurrection and Eternal Life: Essential beliefs
• Values: Honesty, forgiveness, freedom to make choices

Modern Indian Philosophy

19th Century Socio-Religious Reform Movements

• Influence: Liberal Western philosophy (Bentham, Mill, Locke)
• Key Figure: Raja Rammohan Roy, pioneer of the Bengal Renaissance, founded Brahmo Samaj

20th Century Contributors

1. Rabindranath Tagore:

   • Emphasized love above knowledge
   • Valued society above the state

2. Mohammad Iqbal:

   • Not specified in the notes, but contributed significantly to Indian philosophy

3. Sri Aurobindo Ghosh:

   • Not specified in the notes, but known for integrating spirituality with political action

4. Mahatma Gandhi:

   • Believed in "Truth is God" rather than "God is Truth"
   • Practiced Ahimsa (non-violence) in thought, word, and deed
   • Used Ahimsa effectively in politics and social, economic, and political injustice

5. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan:

   • Not specified in the notes, but a prominent philosopher and statesman

Values of Modern Indian Philosophy

• Rationalism: Emphasis on reason and logic
• Equality: Importance of equal rights and opportunities
• Individualism: Focus on individual rights and freedom
• Oneness of God: Belief in a single divine entity
• Love: Central value in human relationships
• Service: Importance of serving others
• Perfection: Striving for excellence and self-improvement
• Truth: Pursuit of truth in all aspects of life
• Non-violence: Principle of Ahimsa in resolving conflicts

Summary of Indian Philosophy

Overview

• Indian Philosophy: Encompasses Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and other traditions including Bhakti, Sikhism, Sufism, and reactions to Islam, Christianity, and Zoroastrianism.
• Aim: To help one see the truth and understand the self and the universe.

Key Concepts

1. Dharma: Performing one's duties and responsibilities correctly.
2. Moksha: Liberation or release from the cycle of rebirth.
3. Karma: The principle of cause and effect, where one's actions influence future outcomes.
4. Atman: The true self or soul within an individual.

Vedic Period

• Vedas: Ancient sacred texts composed by Brahma.
• Vedangas: Supplementary texts composed by human beings.

Schools of Philosophy

• Astika Schools (Acceptance of Vedas):

  • Nyaya
  • Vaisesika
  • Samkhya
  • Yoga
  • Mimamsa
  • Vedanta

• Nastika Schools (Rejection of Vedas):

  • Buddhism
  • Jainism
  • Charvakas

Key Schools and Movements

1. Samkhya:

   • Focus on enumeration and analysis of principles.
   • Values: Learning, discernment, responsibility.

2. Yoga:

   • Emphasizes spiritual discipline and control of mind and body.
   • Values: Self-discipline, concentration, stress reduction.

3. Vedanta:

   • Philosophical conclusion of the Vedas, focusing on non-duality (Advaita).
   • Values: Oneness, knowledge, overcoming ignorance.

4. Bhakti Movement (7th-13th Century A.D.):

   • Emphasized devotion and love over rituals.
   • Promoted tolerance and love for all religions.
   • Notable Figures: Shankaracharya, Ramanuja, Kabir, Mirabai.

5. Sikhism:

   • Founded by Guru Nanak.
   • Focused on devotion, honest living, and sharing.
   • Values: Oneness of God, equality, and rejection of Brahminical supremacy.

6. Islam:

   • Introduced in the 8th Century A.D.
   • Key Aspects: Cleanliness, prayer, fasting, charity.
   • Philosophical Thoughts: Kalam (theology) and Falsafa (Greek philosophy influence).

7. Sufism:

   • Mystical Islamic philosophy from the 13th-15th Century A.D.
   • Values: Divine love, personal experience of God.
   • Notable Figures: Nizamuddin Auliya, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti.

8. Christianity:

   • Believed to have started in 52 A.D. in India.
   • Key Concepts: Holy Trinity, salvation through Jesus, resurrection, eternal life.
   • Values: Honesty, forgiveness, love, and redemption.

Modern Indian Philosophy

• 19th Century Reforms:
  • Influenced by Western philosophy (Bentham, Mill, Locke).
  • Notable Figures: Raja Rammohan Roy, Swami Vivekananda.
  • Swami Vivekananda: Revived Hindu dynamism and founded the Ramakrishna Mission.

Core Values in Indian Philosophy

• Tolerance
• Forgiveness
• Devotion
• Scientific Temper
• Non-violence (Ahimsa)
• Truth
• Humility
• Detachment