Darshana
दर्शन
Darshana means 'seeing' or 'viewpoint' — these are the six classical schools of Hindu philosophy that interpret the Vedas through different lenses. Together, they represent one of the most sophisticated intellectual traditions in human history. From Nyaya's rigorous logic to Yoga's experiential discipline to Vedanta's inquiry into ultimate reality, each school offers a distinct path to truth. Three non-Vedic schools (Bauddha, Jaina, Charvaka) provide the philosophical counterpoints.
Astika Darshanas · आस्तिक दर्शन
The six schools that accept the authority of the Vedas
न्याय
Founder: Gautama
Key Text: Nyaya Sutras
Paired with: Vaisheshika
वैशेषिक
Founder: Kanada
Key Text: Vaisheshika Sutras
Paired with: Nyaya
सांख्य
Founder: Kapila
Key Text: Sankhya Karika (Ishvarakrishna)
Paired with: Yoga
योग
Founder: Patanjali
Key Text: Yoga Sutras
Paired with: Sankhya
पूर्व मीमांसा
Founder: Jaimini
Key Text: Mimamsa Sutras
Paired with: Uttara Mimamsa
उत्तर मीमांसा (वेदान्त)
Founder: Badarayana
Key Text: Brahma Sutras
Paired with: Purva Mimamsa
Parent of Prasthana Trayi. Sub-schools: Advaita (Shankara), Vishishtadvaita (Ramanuja), Dvaita (Madhva)
These schools challenge Vedic authority — presented here for philosophical completeness
बौद्ध
Founder: Siddhartha Gautama
जैन
Founder: Mahavira (24th Tirthankara)
चार्वाक
Founder: Brihaspati (attributed)