Philosophies
Hindu philosophy encompasses a wide range of systems that explore the nature of reality, the self, and the path to liberation. Among these, the Vedānta schools hold a central place, drawing upon the Upanishads, the Brahma Sūtras, and the Bhagavad Gītā to articulate distinct interpretations of the relationship between the individual soul (jīva), the universe, and the ultimate reality (Brahman).
Over time, several major Vedānta traditions emerged, each offering a unique framework for understanding existence and spiritual practice. Advaita Vedānta presents a non‑dualistic vision in which the individual self and Brahman are ultimately identical. Dvaita Vedānta, by contrast, teaches a fundamental and eternal distinction between God, souls, and the material world. Viśishṭādvaita Vedānta proposes a qualified non‑dualism, affirming unity while preserving meaningful difference within the divine.
These philosophical systems have shaped theology, ritual, ethics, and devotional movements across centuries. Studying them provides insight into the intellectual diversity of Hindu thought and the many paths it offers toward spiritual realization.
Advaita Vedānta teaches that Brahman alone is real and the ātmā is not different from Brahman; the Agni Purāṇa gives its Advaita Brahma-vijñāna.
Dvaita PhilosophyDvaita, "the teaching of duality" Introduction The Vedānta-darśana, the last of the six well-known systems of Indian philosophy, has three main branches: Advaita, Viśishṭādvaita and Dvaita. The Dvaita Vedānta system,…
SāṅkhyaSāṅkhya is a darśana that counts all the parts of existence and frees us by telling the true Self apart from them, taught by Bhagavān Kapila with bhakti.
ViśishṭādvaitaViśishṭādvaita · viśishṭa-advaita, "qualified non-duality" Introduction Among the well-known philosophical systems of India, the Vedānta system — called the Vedānta ‘Darśana’ and based mainly on the prasthānatraya, viz. the Upanishads,…