Darshanas are 6 important systems of Hindu Philosophy. These are the intellectual sections of the Hindu writings. Darshanas are philosophies, world views or teachings that emerged in Ancient India.
The mainstream Hindu philosophy includes 6 systems and therefore called shad dharshanas (shad meaning 6, darshanas meaning philosophies) or simply darshanas. These 6 philosophies are also called as Astika Darshanas (orthodox philosophical traditions). They accepted Vedas as authoritative and important source of knowledge.
In the history of Hinduism, the 6 orthodox schools (astika darshanas) were in existence by sometime between the start of the Common Era and the Gupta Empire (about 4th century).
Meaning of Darshanas –
The word Darshana is derived from the root ‘Drishyate’ or ‘Dris’ means to see.‘Drishyate Anena Iti Darshanaha’ means that which facilitates to visualize the facts pertaining to the universe is known as Darshana.
‘Sarve Darshanaha Jgnanartha saadhanaaha’
All the Darshanas are the means or instruments of knowledge. They were born out of Upanishads.
(Upanishad – Collection of texts that contain some of the central philosophical concepts of Hinduism, some of which are shared with Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. They are considered by Hindus to contain utterances (sruti) concerning the nature of ultimate reality (Brahman) and describing the character of and path to human salvation (moksha or mukti). The Upanishads are commonly referred to as Vedanta, variously interpreted to mean either the ‘last chapters or parts of Veda’ or ‘the object, the highest purpose of the Veda’).
There is a difference of opinion regarding the number of Darshanas and varied from 108 and up to 300.
Though there are many a number of Darshanas, the following9 are having great influence on Ayurveda. These 9 darshanas have been classified under two heads such as:
Astika Darshana (Theistic philosophies)
This section of Darshanas has utmost faith in the eternity of Vedas. They believed that the Vedas are Apourusheya (not created by man or beyond the intellectual capacities of a common man). They believe in the existence of Atma (soul), Paramatma (supreme soul), Janana (birth), Marana (death), Moksha (salvation) and Ishwara (vreator).
Asthika Darshanas are 6 in number. They are:
Sankhya Darshana – written and composed by sage Kapila Maharshi
Vaisheshika Darshana – written and composed by sage Kanada Maharshi
Nyaya Darshana – written and composed by sage Goutama Maharshi
Yoga Darshana – written and composed by sage Patanjali Maharshi
Poorva Darshana – written and composed by sage Jaimini Maharshi
Uttara Mimamsa – written and composed by sage Vyasa Maharshi
Nastika Darshanas (Atheistic philosophies)
This section of Darshanas doesn’t have faith in or believe in supremacy of the Vedas. These Darshanas doesn’t believe in the Atma, Paramatma, Janana, Marana, Moksha and Ishwara, the entities believed by Asthika Darshanas.
They are 3 in number. They are as mentioned below –
Charvaka Darshana – written and composed by sage Brihaspati
Bouddha Darshana – written and composed by Goutama Buddha
Jaina Darshana – written and composed by Rishabha Dev
Influence of Darshanas on Ayurveda
In general, all the Darshanas have influence on Ayurvedic theories to some extent. Sankhya and Vaisheshika Darshanas have their influence not only on Ayurveda but on all contemporary sciences. Mainly the Tatwika Vivechan of Sankhya and Nyaya Darshanas have greatly influenced the theories of Ayurveda. Some of the scholars opined that several theories mentioned in Ayurveda were borrowed and adopted from the Darshanas as it is. But it is not true. Though some concepts were adopted from Darshanas, those have been utilized according to the necessity of the science.
Ayurveda and Sankhya Darshana
The similarities between Ayurveda and the philosophies explained in Sankhya Darshana indicate suggest that they are mutually influenced systems of knowledge. Both these systems have similarities regarding the below mentioned theories which confirm the relationship between both these sciences.
Description of Pramana – Pratyaksha (knowledge through direct perception), Anumana (knowledge through inference) and Aptopadesha (knowledge from ancient teachings and treatises) are the testimonials of knowledge. They are means to acquire the real knowledge of an object. These concepts have been explained in a similar way in both these sciences.
The types of misery – Sankhya Darshana has explained 3 types of miseries namely Adhyatmika, Adhidaivika and Adhibhoutika. Even in Ayurveda we can find these terms (Sushruta’s classification of diseases). The diseases have grossly been classified under these 3 categories and have explained in similarity with Sankhya Darshana.
Equality in Realm – Number of Realms in the evolution of the universe is mentioned in similar ways in both the sciences.
Purusha Vivechana (composition and formation of purusha, the human being or inner self) – Purusha was discriminated in Ayurveda as well as in Sankhya philosophy. Sushruta has stated ‘Bahavastu Purusha’ while Sankhya Darshana also mentioned ‘Purusha Bahutwam Siddham’.
Parinama Vada (theory of transformation) – Parinama Vada or the ‘transformation theory of evolution’ is mentioned in Sankhya philosophy. Similarly, in Ayurveda we can find the explanation of ‘Dhatu Parinama Siddhanta’ theory corresponding to and in the same lines of Parinama Vada of Sankhya Darshana.
Satkarya Vada (Cause and effect relationship in the creation) – Ayurveda adopted the theory of Satkarya Vada from Sankhya Darshana. Sankhya Vada means the relationship between Karya (effect) and Karana (cause). According to this theory, the Karya is manifested from Karana. Ex, Sesame oil already existed in the sesame seeds; therefore we could extract the oil from the seeds.
Description of Trigunas – The Trigunas or 3 vital qualities of cosmic nature, responsible for the creation of the universe are also responsible for the creation of human beings and all life. We have components of the Trigunas (micro-nature) within us. They are Satwa, Rajas and Tamo Gunas. They are explained in Ayurveda on the same lines as explained in Sankhya Darshana.
Zama- Ayurveda Wellness Centre in Kerala, located at the shores of Punnamada Lake. This is the best Ayurvedic backwater resort in Kerala. Check in at Zama for experience the best Panchakarma treatment in Kerala. Experience the Ayurveda Tourism in Kerala. Health Tourism in Kerala is completely depends on Ayurveda. If you miss a chance to experience Kerala Ayurveda then it might be a great loss for you. You can rejuvenate your body and soul with the best Kerala Rejuvenation Therapy as the part of your Medical tourism in Kerala.
The mainstream Hindu philosophy includes 6 systems and therefore called shad dharshanas (shad meaning 6, darshanas meaning philosophies) or simply darshanas. These 6 philosophies are also called as Astika Darshanas (orthodox philosophical traditions). They accepted Vedas as authoritative and important source of knowledge.
In the history of Hinduism, the 6 orthodox schools (astika darshanas) were in existence by sometime between the start of the Common Era and the Gupta Empire (about 4th century).
Meaning of Darshanas –
The word Darshana is derived from the root ‘Drishyate’ or ‘Dris’ means to see.‘Drishyate Anena Iti Darshanaha’ means that which facilitates to visualize the facts pertaining to the universe is known as Darshana.
‘Sarve Darshanaha Jgnanartha saadhanaaha’
All the Darshanas are the means or instruments of knowledge. They were born out of Upanishads.
(Upanishad – Collection of texts that contain some of the central philosophical concepts of Hinduism, some of which are shared with Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. They are considered by Hindus to contain utterances (sruti) concerning the nature of ultimate reality (Brahman) and describing the character of and path to human salvation (moksha or mukti). The Upanishads are commonly referred to as Vedanta, variously interpreted to mean either the ‘last chapters or parts of Veda’ or ‘the object, the highest purpose of the Veda’).
There is a difference of opinion regarding the number of Darshanas and varied from 108 and up to 300.
Though there are many a number of Darshanas, the following9 are having great influence on Ayurveda. These 9 darshanas have been classified under two heads such as:
Astika Darshana (Theistic philosophies)
This section of Darshanas has utmost faith in the eternity of Vedas. They believed that the Vedas are Apourusheya (not created by man or beyond the intellectual capacities of a common man). They believe in the existence of Atma (soul), Paramatma (supreme soul), Janana (birth), Marana (death), Moksha (salvation) and Ishwara (vreator).
Asthika Darshanas are 6 in number. They are:
Sankhya Darshana – written and composed by sage Kapila Maharshi
Vaisheshika Darshana – written and composed by sage Kanada Maharshi
Nyaya Darshana – written and composed by sage Goutama Maharshi
Yoga Darshana – written and composed by sage Patanjali Maharshi
Poorva Darshana – written and composed by sage Jaimini Maharshi
Uttara Mimamsa – written and composed by sage Vyasa Maharshi
Nastika Darshanas (Atheistic philosophies)
This section of Darshanas doesn’t have faith in or believe in supremacy of the Vedas. These Darshanas doesn’t believe in the Atma, Paramatma, Janana, Marana, Moksha and Ishwara, the entities believed by Asthika Darshanas.
They are 3 in number. They are as mentioned below –
Charvaka Darshana – written and composed by sage Brihaspati
Bouddha Darshana – written and composed by Goutama Buddha
Jaina Darshana – written and composed by Rishabha Dev
Influence of Darshanas on Ayurveda
In general, all the Darshanas have influence on Ayurvedic theories to some extent. Sankhya and Vaisheshika Darshanas have their influence not only on Ayurveda but on all contemporary sciences. Mainly the Tatwika Vivechan of Sankhya and Nyaya Darshanas have greatly influenced the theories of Ayurveda. Some of the scholars opined that several theories mentioned in Ayurveda were borrowed and adopted from the Darshanas as it is. But it is not true. Though some concepts were adopted from Darshanas, those have been utilized according to the necessity of the science.
Ayurveda and Sankhya Darshana
The similarities between Ayurveda and the philosophies explained in Sankhya Darshana indicate suggest that they are mutually influenced systems of knowledge. Both these systems have similarities regarding the below mentioned theories which confirm the relationship between both these sciences.
Description of Pramana – Pratyaksha (knowledge through direct perception), Anumana (knowledge through inference) and Aptopadesha (knowledge from ancient teachings and treatises) are the testimonials of knowledge. They are means to acquire the real knowledge of an object. These concepts have been explained in a similar way in both these sciences.
The types of misery – Sankhya Darshana has explained 3 types of miseries namely Adhyatmika, Adhidaivika and Adhibhoutika. Even in Ayurveda we can find these terms (Sushruta’s classification of diseases). The diseases have grossly been classified under these 3 categories and have explained in similarity with Sankhya Darshana.
Equality in Realm – Number of Realms in the evolution of the universe is mentioned in similar ways in both the sciences.
Purusha Vivechana (composition and formation of purusha, the human being or inner self) – Purusha was discriminated in Ayurveda as well as in Sankhya philosophy. Sushruta has stated ‘Bahavastu Purusha’ while Sankhya Darshana also mentioned ‘Purusha Bahutwam Siddham’.
Parinama Vada (theory of transformation) – Parinama Vada or the ‘transformation theory of evolution’ is mentioned in Sankhya philosophy. Similarly, in Ayurveda we can find the explanation of ‘Dhatu Parinama Siddhanta’ theory corresponding to and in the same lines of Parinama Vada of Sankhya Darshana.
Satkarya Vada (Cause and effect relationship in the creation) – Ayurveda adopted the theory of Satkarya Vada from Sankhya Darshana. Sankhya Vada means the relationship between Karya (effect) and Karana (cause). According to this theory, the Karya is manifested from Karana. Ex, Sesame oil already existed in the sesame seeds; therefore we could extract the oil from the seeds.
Description of Trigunas – The Trigunas or 3 vital qualities of cosmic nature, responsible for the creation of the universe are also responsible for the creation of human beings and all life. We have components of the Trigunas (micro-nature) within us. They are Satwa, Rajas and Tamo Gunas. They are explained in Ayurveda on the same lines as explained in Sankhya Darshana.
Zama- Ayurveda Wellness Centre in Kerala, located at the shores of Punnamada Lake. This is the best Ayurvedic backwater resort in Kerala. Check in at Zama for experience the best Panchakarma treatment in Kerala. Experience the Ayurveda Tourism in Kerala. Health Tourism in Kerala is completely depends on Ayurveda. If you miss a chance to experience Kerala Ayurveda then it might be a great loss for you. You can rejuvenate your body and soul with the best Kerala Rejuvenation Therapy as the part of your Medical tourism in Kerala.
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