Indian philosophy is largely Vedic in origin and represents man’s attempt at pursuing the truth about life and existence, the soul or Self (Atman), and the Ultimate Reality (Brahman) or the Cosmic Spirit. Appearing during the last age of the Vedic literature, it comprehensively incorporates both the subtle and gross aspects of life and provides hints concerning life’s most essential questions. It is as Swami Vivekananda once said, ‘Arise, awake, and cease not till the goal is attained, which is the motto of this institution.’

Here’s a concise breakdown:

Orthodox (Astika) Schools

1. Nyaya (Logic and Reasoning)

• Mainly concerned with the topic on logic and knowing.
• I will thus continue by stating that truth arrives where reason, the virtues of clarity.

2. Vaisesika (Atomism)

• Introduces the universe by atoms and classification of existence.
• In our culture, it illustrates how life is uncomplicated and how everything is related.

3. Sankhya (Dualism)

• Closely focuses on the concepts of Purusha as conscience and Prakriti as matter.
• To free oneself, one has to understand the distinction between the perceiving subject and the object perceiving.’

4. Yoga (Practical Discipline)

• Accompany Sankhya with effective procedures to attain self-realization through the discipline of the human body and mind.
• Explains the eightfold path of Ashtanga Yoga, or the path of spiritual alchemy.

5. Mimamsa (Rituals and Dharma)

• Is inclined to the explanation of the performance of Vedic sacrifices and duties for virtuous living.
• The work well done is a step taken toward the heavens.

6. Nuclear Vedanta, or the Philosophy of the Upanishads

• Concern with the nature of reality, referred to as Brahman, and with the experience of the unity of being.
• Prominent sub-schools: Firstly, it is Advaita, or non-dualism; secondly, Vishishtadvaita, or qualified non-dualism; thirdly, Dvaita, or dualism.

Heterodox (Nastika) Schools

1. Carvaka (Materialism)

• Entrepreneurs and promoters of joy-seeking hedonism.
• Eat, drink, and be merry, for there is no tomorrow.

2. Buddhism

• Focuses on the way to develop the path leading to Nirvana, which is known as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
• This means that as soon as mindfulness enters a person’s life, suffering ceases to be a factor.

3. Jainism

• Approves of non-violence (Ahimsa), truth, and self-principle leading to freedom.
• If you can’t control yourself, you cannot control the world.

4. Ajivika

• They adopted strong words of determinism and destiny, meaning that fate cannot be changed.

Conclusion

Indian philosophy, so diverse and profound with respect to time, reason, spirit, and truth, reveals a comprehensive and meaningful interpretation of human beings. As Swami Vivekananda has said, “Indian thought has a reflection of the infinite in us.”