The Six Darshanas

The Six Darshanas

These are the intellectual section of the Hindu writings, while the first four are intuitional, and the fifth inspirational and emotional. Darsanas are schools of philosophy based on the Vedas. The Agamas are theological. The Darsana literature is philosophical. The Darsanas are meant for the erudite scholars who are endowed with acute acumen, good understanding, power of reasoning and subtle intellect. The Itihasas, Puranas and Agamas are meant for the masses. The Darsanas appeal to the intellect, while the Itihasas, Puranas, etc., appeal to the heart.

Philosophy has six divisions-Shad-darsana-the six Darsanas or ways of seeing things, usually called the six systems or six different schools of thought. The six schools of philosophy are the six instruments of true teaching or the six demonstrations of Truth. Each school has developed, systematised and correlated the various parts of the Veda in its own way. Each system has its Sutrakara, i.e., the one great Rishi who systematised the doctrines of the school and put them in short aphorisms or Sutras.

The Sutras are terse and laconic. The Rishis have condensed their thoughts in the aphorisms. It is very difficult to understand them without the help of commentaries by great sages or Rishis. Hence, there arose many commentators or Bhashyakaras. There are glosses, notes and, later, commentaries on the original commentaries.

The Shad-Darsanas (the six schools of philosophy) or the Shat-Sastras are: the NYAYA, founded by Gautama Rishi, the VAISESHIKA by Kanada Rishi, the SANKHYA by Kapila Muni, the YOGA by Patanjali Maharshi, the PURVA MIMAMSA by Jaimini, and the UTTARA MIMAMSA or VEDANTA by Badarayana or Vyasa. The Darsanas are divided into three pairs of aphoristic compositions which explain the philosophy of the Vedas in a rationalistic method of approach. They are: the Nyaya and the Vaiseshika, the Sankhya and the Yoga, and the Mimamsa and the Vedanta. Each set of Sutras has got its Bhashya, Vritti, Varttika, Vyakhyana or Tika and Tippani.

SUTRA

Svalpaksharam-asandigdham
Saravad-visvatomukham
Astobham-anavadyam cha
Sutram sutravido viduh

A Sutra or an aphorism is a short formula with the least possible number of letters, without any ambiguity or doubtful assertion, containing the very essence, embracing all meanings, without any stop or obstruction and absolutely faultless in nature.

The Sutrakara or the composer of the aphorisms is said to be as happy as one would be while getting the first male child, if he is but able to reduce one letter in his abstruse Sutra of far-fetched words and ideas. The best example of the greatest, the tersest and the most perfect of Sutra literature is the series of aphorisms called the Ashtadhyayi composed by Panini. Panini is the father of all Sutrakaras from whom all others seem to have borrowed the method of composition. The Sutras are meant to explain a big volume of knowledge in short assertions suitable to be kept in memory at all times. The six Vedangas and the six systems of Hindu philosophy form the twelve sets of Sutra literature of the world. In addition to these, there are later compositions like the Narada-Bhakti Sutras, the Sandilya-Bhakti Sutras, etc., which also wish to assume an equal form with the famous Sutras mentioned above.

BHASHYA

Sutrartho varnyate yatra
Padaih sutranusaribhih
Svapadani cha varnyante
Bhashyam bhashyavido viduh

A Bhashya is an elaborate exposition, a commentary on the Sutras, with word by word meaning of the aphoristic precepts, their running translation, together with the individual views of the commentator or the Bhashyakara. The best and the exemplary Bhashya in Sanskrit literature is the one written by Patanjali on the Vyakarana Sutras of Panini. This Bhashya is so very famous and important that it is called the MAHABHASHYA and its celebrated author is specially called the BHASHYAKARA. Patanjali is the father of Bhashyakaras. The next important Bhashya is the one on the Mimamsa Sutras written by Sabara-Swamin who learnt the art from Patanjali’s commentary. The third important Bhashya was written by Sankara on the Brahma Sutras, in close following with the Sabara-Bhashya. The Bhashyas on the six sets of aphorisms dealing with Indian philosophy were written by Vatsyayana, Prasastapada, Vijnanabhikshu, Vyasa, Sabara and Sankara. On the Vedanta or Brahma Sutras, there are about sixteen Bhashyas, like those of Ramanuja, Madhva, Vallabha, Nimbarka, etc.

VRITTI

Sadvrittih sannibandhana

A Vritti is a short gloss explaining the aphorisms in a more elaborate way, but not as extensively as a Bhashya. An example is Bodhayana’s Vritti on the Brahma Sutras.

VARTTIKA

Uktanuktaduruktanam
Chinta yatra pravartate
Tam grantham varttikam prahuh
Varttikajnavichakshanah

A Varttika is a work where a critical study is made of that which is said and left unsaid or imperfectly said in a Bhashya, and the ways of making it perfect by supplying the omissions therein, are given. Examples are the Varttikas of Katyayana on Panini’s Sutras, of Suresvara on Sankara’s Upanishad-Bhashyas, and of Kumarila Bhatta on the Sabara-Bhashya on the Karma-Mimamsa.

VYAKHYANA OR TIKA

A Vyakhyana is a running explanation in an easier language of what is said in the original, with little elucidations here and there. A Vyakhyana, particularly of a Kavya, deals with eight different modes of dissection of the Sloka, like Pada-Chheda, Vigraha, Sandhi, Alankara, Anuvada, etc. This forms an important aspect in the study of Sanskrit Sahitya Sastra. An Anu-Vyakhyana-like the one written by Sri Madhva-is a repetition of what is already written, but in greater detail. An Anuvada is merely a running translation or statement of an abstruse text of the original. Tika is only another name for Vyakhyana. The best Vyakhyanas are of Vachaspati Misra on the Darsanas, especially on Sankara’s Brahmasutra-Bhashya.

TIPPANI

Tippani is just like a Vritti, but is less orthodox than the Vritti. It is an explanation of difficult words or phrases occurring in the original. Examples are Kaiyata’s gloss on the Mahabhashya of Patanjali, Nagojibhatta’s gloss on Kaiyata’s gloss, or Appayya’s gloss on Amalananda’s gloss on the Bhamati of Vachaspati Misra.

OTHER SCRIPTURES

The Tevaram and the Tiruvachakam which are the hymns of the Saiva saints of South India, the Divya-Prabandham of the Alvar saints of South India, the songs of Kabir, the Abhangas of Tukaram and the Ramayana of Tulasi Das-all of which are the outpourings of great realised souls-are wonderful scriptures. They contain the essence of the Vedas.

The Six Darshanas: Understanding the Foundations of Indian Philosophy

Indian philosophy offers profound insights into life, consciousness, and spiritual growth. Among its greatest contributions are The Six Darshanas, which present six classical systems of thought that guide seekers toward wisdom and self-realization. Each Darshana provides a unique perspective on understanding reality, the nature of the soul, and the path to liberation. Together, these philosophical traditions form a rich foundation for spiritual inquiry and ethical living. Devotional India encourages readers to explore these timeless teachings to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

An introduction to The Six Darshanas reveals that each system emphasizes a different approach to discovering truth. The six schools are Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Purva Mimamsa, and Vedanta. Although they differ in methods and explanations, all of them seek to help individuals overcome ignorance and attain higher knowledge. These philosophies have shaped Indian spiritual traditions for centuries and continue to inspire seekers across the world. Their teachings encourage logical reasoning, disciplined living, and sincere spiritual practice.

One of the greatest strengths of The Six Darshanas is that they address both intellectual understanding and practical living. Nyaya focuses on logic and reasoning, while Vaisheshika explains the nature of reality through categories and substances. Samkhya analyzes the relationship between consciousness and matter, and Yoga provides practical techniques for mastering the mind. Purva Mimamsa emphasizes righteous action, while Vedanta explores the ultimate truth of the Self and the Absolute. Devotional India highlights these philosophies as complementary paths leading toward spiritual wisdom.

Studying The Six Darshanas helps individuals develop clarity of thought and a balanced perspective on life. These philosophical systems encourage people to question assumptions, seek knowledge through experience, and cultivate virtues such as truthfulness, discipline, and compassion. Rather than accepting ideas blindly, they inspire thoughtful inquiry and personal understanding. This approach strengthens decision-making, improves emotional stability, and promotes a life guided by wisdom instead of confusion or ignorance.

The practical value of The Six Darshanas extends beyond philosophy into everyday life. Their teachings encourage honesty, self-control, patience, and responsibility in personal and professional relationships. By applying these principles, individuals learn to overcome fear, anger, attachment, and selfishness. This transformation creates stronger character and greater inner peace while promoting harmony within families, communities, and society. Devotional India reminds readers that true philosophy should inspire positive action as well as intellectual understanding.

Developing a deeper appreciation of The Six Darshanas requires regular study, reflection, and spiritual practice. Reading sacred texts, engaging in meditation, practicing self-discipline, and seeking guidance from knowledgeable teachers all contribute to greater understanding. These philosophies are not merely academic subjects but living traditions that encourage continuous personal growth. Every sincere effort to understand their teachings brings greater wisdom and a clearer sense of life’s purpose.

Spiritual traditions recognize The Six Darshanas as valuable pathways toward self-realization because they help remove ignorance and awaken higher awareness. Whether through logical analysis, meditation, selfless action, or devotion, each system contributes to the seeker’s spiritual evolution. Together they reveal that truth can be approached from different perspectives while ultimately leading to the same goal of inner freedom and lasting peace. Devotional India continues to share these timeless teachings so readers can benefit from the wisdom preserved through generations.

In conclusion, The Six Darshanas represent a remarkable legacy of Indian philosophical thought that continues to guide spiritual seekers today. Their teachings offer practical wisdom for daily living while encouraging deeper inquiry into the nature of existence and the Self. By studying these classical systems with sincerity and an open mind, individuals develop greater knowledge, compassion, and inner balance. Devotional India encourages everyone to explore The Six Darshanas as a meaningful step toward wisdom, self-discovery, and spiritual fulfillment.