The basis of Indian philosophy lay the Vedas (sacred texts), as well as comments on them. These texts are the oldest monument in the Indo-Aryan culture. They were created in the 15th century BC. e. It was believed that the Vedas always existed and were never created by anyone. That is why these sacred texts could not contain erroneous information. Most of them are written in mystical language (Sanskrit). With his help, the universe communicates with man.
Part of the Vedas is represented by records of revelations, cosmic truths. "Shrudi" is available only to initiated people. Smriti (another part of the sacred texts) are adapted texts for less gifted people (workers, women, representatives of the lower classes (castes). In particular, the Indian sagas Mahabharata and Ramayana are referred to as smriti.
The philosophy of ancient India reveals such a thing as “Karma”. It was believed that Karma is the law of consequence and cause. Everyone depends on her, even the Gods.
The philosophy of Ancient India, in one of the philosophical categories, contained the idea that everything around a person is an illusion. Ignorance of man contributes to his illusory view of the world. This presentation was called Maya.
Traditional Indian philosophical schools are divided into orthodox (following religiously the foundations of ancient teachings) and non-orthodox schools. The former recognized the authority of the Vedas.
Orthodox schools include Nyaya. Understanding, the material world existed. Cognition of man was carried out through the five senses. The philosophy of Ancient India at this school taught that everything that went beyond the bounds of the senses does not exist. Four sources of knowledge were recognized: inference, perception, comparison, word of authority.
Another orthodox school was Vaisesika. It was founded by Rishi Canada. At this school, the philosophy of Ancient India recognized the existence of two worlds: sensual and supersensible. At the heart of everything lay indivisible particles (atoms). Between them the space is filled with ether (akasha). The life force of atoms was Brahman. Also, this philosophy recognized two sources of knowledge: inference and perception.
Mimamsa (another school of philosophy) is also based on the authority of sacred texts. In this school, the philosophers of Ancient India focus on the correct interpretation of the scriptures (Vedas), as well as the importance of the rituals described in them.
The features of the philosophy of Ancient India of the Sankhya school are presented in the awareness of the materiality and objectivity of the world.
The teaching of Yoga was a system of practical actions. They were directed to the knowledge of the absolute. The teaching is devoted to the definition of a specific driving force in the process of liberation.
Among unorthodox philosophical teachings, individual materialism should be noted. Lokayads (schools) reject the need for world religion. They recognize the existence of only that which is felt (the soul is the body). The purpose of life, according to this teaching, was to receive satisfaction.
The teachings of Jainism recognized eternal, uncreated substance. This first principle of the world was a carrier of energy and had a forward and simple movement. Jainism teaches that atoms of different weights make up the whole world. Indivisible particles merge into things. According to this teaching, there is only non-living matter and souls. The main principle of the philosophical school was to do no harm to the living.
The teachings of Buddhism assumed four truths: life is suffering; causes of suffering in desires and passions; deliverance from suffering comes after giving up desires; completes all the liberation of man from the bonds of samsara (a series of rebirths - life). Buddhism was promoted by Atisha, Shantarakshita, Chandrakirti and other philosophers.
