Who am I? What is my relation to this world? What is the aim of my life?
Who is the creator of this universe?
What is God? …There are lots of such questions which always linger in the minds of thinkers. The continuous thinking to the level of creating s uneasiness in the minds of thinkers and this leads to the philosophic maze. The scholars of world devoted their life to find out the basis of human life. India has a tradition of such learned sages, scholars and intellectuals who were seekers of truth and life. They dedicated their life in search of secrets of life, death, God, creation, Universe and the like.
There was a time when such knowledge was considered a preserve of ancient sages and saints as it was available only in the old classical Pali and Sanskrit languages. Only a few people conversant with these languages could access such knowledge. But now such knowledge has been made available in the common language and coherent manner by new authors and publishers. One such author is Dr. Pravesh Saxena. She is an authority on Vedic literature and teaching Sanskrit in one of Delhi University College. Her book ‘Bhartiya Darshanon Mein Kya Hai?’ (what is in the Indian Philosophies?) provides an easy approach to the above raised questions of life and universe.
In the first chapter the author provides definitions of the term Darshan – philosophy as it has been defined in the classics. Drishyate anen iti darshanam, it means through which we can see is the darshan. To see is also a relative term. There are two types of visions. One is through normal eyes as we see. This is called external vision or sthul darshan. Another vision is called internal vision – suksham darshan, to see through the internal eyes of knowledge. This is also known divine vision – divya chakshu, gyan chakshu or Pragya chakshu. To have a proper study of philosophy we take the help of both the visions.
Eastern and Western view points of philosophy, its periods, branches, scope, characteristics, utility and other aspects of Indian philosophy have been discussed in the book. There are two broad divisions of Indian Philosophy – one is of Believers and the other is that of Atheists. Among the Believers – the main are Nyaya, Vaisheshik, Sankhya, Yog, Mimansa, and Vedant philosophies. These are also known as six schools or systems of Indian Philosophy. Among the Atheists – there are three known groups Charvak, Jains and Buddhists.
Very often Indian Vedic history is blamed for not drawing any boundary line of different segments of history. In fact, even though no such date has been drawn in the Indian philosophy but the division like Vedic Period, Post-Vedic Period and Darshan Period is very much there. The author has defined these periods in a brief and simple language.
While dealing with Nyaya darshan, the author tells the meaning of nyaya - to act according to rules – niyamen iyate. Rishi Gautam was the pioneer of this system through his book Nyaya Sutra. It deals with logic- the process of reasoning. Doubt is considered a prerequisite for philosophical inquiry. Vaisheshik Darshan: The Vaisheshika system was developed by Maharishi Kanad. It emphasizes the physical sciences such as chemistry. It includes exploring the elements of earth, water, fire, air and space, as well as time, mind and soul. The author has described relationship of this system with psychology, code of conduct and religion. Sankhya philosophy was enunciated by Sage Kapil and his two disciples. It has 6 chapters and 537 sutras. It offers a framework for all the levels of manifestation, from the subtlest to the grossest. Sankhya word comes from samyag akhyate, which literally means that which explains the whole. Sankhya deals with prakriti (matter), purusha (consciousness), buddhi or mahat (intelligence), ahamkara (I-am-ness), three gunas (elements of stability, activity, and lightness), mind (manas), cognitive and active senses (indriyas), and the five subtle and gross elements (earth, water, fire, air, and space). Yoga Darshan systematically deals with all of the levels of one's being, striving to experience the eternal center of consciousness. It is associated with Mahrishi Patanjili. Patantajili gave a concrete shape to the already available material on this subject. It is basically for the attainment of spiritual goals through some exercises like aasans, Pranayaam, etc.
Vedant Darshan is considered the best of all the system as it describes all the post vedic period channels. The chapter deals with the dualism and non- dualism of Shankaracharya, Ramanuj; Upnishads, Brahamsutra, Gita, Shankaracharya, Ramanuj, Brahman, Atman, Moksha and Mukti etc.
There was also one school of thought in Indian philosophy which said – Yavat jivet, sukham jivet, rinam kritva ghritam pibet- (Live so long you have a life and live with all comforts and luxury even if you have to take a loan). This school was propounded by Sage Charvak. The concept of hedonism perhaps was based on this system. Like wise the Jain and Buddhist philosophy have been described.
The book is a boon for the beginners and common persons who want to understand the ‘so far considered difficult’ branch of knowledge. The author deserves appreciation for this.