If you visit ancient Indian texts, it defines 4 ideal goals for a (wo)man to be living a prosperous life as seen below.
Here, we’ll talk about something that is extremely critical in present day- the ways to salvation (moksha). Interestingly, ancient Indians gave 6 schools of Philosophy accommodating space for everyone across the spectrum. Take a look!
Samkhya/संख्या
The school says that divine agency presence is not needed to create the world because the evolution is done out of virtue of prakriti (nature) and not god. [Materialistic pov]
Another element is purush and thus hinting at spiritualistic aspect of salvation. But how to gain real knowledge? 3 ways:
Pratyaksh/perception
Anuman/interference
shabda/hearing
Nyaya/न्याय
a school of logic where acquisition of knowledge takes you to salvation
logical statements [inference, hearing, and analogy based]
{The famous 3 WHYs theory shared by Brandon of Humans of New York is inspired by this school}
Vaisheshika/वैशेषिका
material elements (dravya) i.e. material elements made of atom
this school marked beginning of physics school of thought (atoms) in India
Mimansa/मीमांसा
“vedas contain eternal truth"
principle objective: acquire heaven and salvation
How?
vedic sacrifices (most propagated school by Brahmins)
Vedanta/वेदान्त
veda+ anta: end of Veda(s)
this school finds origin in Upanishads with a thought that Brahma is real and all else is Maya and that aatma is identical to Brahma. Therefore, Brahma & Aatma are eternal & indestructible.
this school believes in punarjanama (rebirth)
Yoga/योग
salvation via meditation & physical application
How? 6 ways: Yama, Niyam, Aasan, Pranayam, Dharna, Dhyan, Pratihar, Samadhi [How many of these are you acquainted with? Tell me in a reply to this mail! :D]
I trust this post helped you learn some insightful lessons about wisdom from ancient India on achieving the peace of mind. Further, I am certain you’ll take some lessons to make your life better.
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