Have you ever pondered the true essence of India’s ancient wisdom and history? It’s often said that India boasts a rich philosophical heritage and a history stretching back millennia, populated by countless scholars. But what exactly did these scholars study, and what evidence supports these claims about India’s ancient intellectual prowess? Let’s embark on a journey to examine the authenticity of these assertions about ancient Indian philosophies and their scholars. This article focuses on examining the historical context and validity of claims surrounding ancient Indian philosophies, specifically exploring the interplay between theistic and atheistic viewpoints.
Table of Contents:
- Decoding Ancient Indian Philosophies
- Unveiling the Source: "In Search of God"
- The Erasure of Dissenting Voices
- Reassessing Indian Philosophical Systems
- A Closer Look at the Sixteen Philosophies
- The Nastik Core: Challenging Theistic Claims
- Deconstructing the Narrative of Theistic Dominance
- The Intricacies of Philosophical Influence
- The Brahminical Influence: A Case Study of Nyaya and Vaisheshika
- The Contradictions within Theistic Interpretations
- The Emergence of Theistic Arguments: A Case Study of Udayana
- What Can You Do?
Decoding Ancient Indian Philosophies
The Illusion of Paper Trails
While history books often showcase a plethora of Indian philosophical systems such as Sankhya, Mimamsa, Nyaya, Yoga, and others, it’s essential to delve deeper than the surface. What exactly is the historical context of these philosophies, and do they affirm or contradict the existence of a supreme being? Furthermore, what role did they play in interpreting the Vedas, often considered ancient scriptures? It’s crucial to critically analyze the information presented to us and question its validity. Are ancient Indian philosophies like a complex tapestry, woven with threads of theism and atheism, waiting to be unraveled?
The Aastik and Nastik Divide
A common narrative portrays India as a land of ‘Aastik’ philosophies, those that uphold the existence of God. However, it’s equally important to examine the dissenting voices, the ‘Nastik’ philosophies that challenge the notion of a divine entity. What arguments did proponents of theism use to counter the claims of atheists, and when were these attempts first made? Understanding this interplay of opposing viewpoints is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of Indian philosophical history. When was the first attempt to prove the existence of god made? Understanding this interplay of opposing viewpoints is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of Indian philosophical history.
The Scientific Temperament
The objective of philosophical studies is to increase scientific temperaments. Debates or arguments in ancient times between the philosophical schools were mainly to establish their reasoning using the existing knowledge and facts. The aim was never to hurt the sentiments of any particular group of people.
Disclaimer: Throughout this article, we will be using certain terms that may have specific meanings within the context of Indian philosophy. These terms, such as “Aastik,” “Nastik,” and names of different philosophical schools, are used to refer to specific concepts and traditions within the Indian intellectual landscape. They are not intended to be used in a derogatory or disrespectful manner towards any individual or group.
Unveiling the Source: “In Search of God”
A Comprehensive Exploration
To gain a deeper understanding of these intricate topics, one can refer to the book “Ishwar ki Khoj” by Dr. Surendra Agyat.
The reality is that we have not yet found the right God, the real God. Our religions and their founders have helped us to some extent by giving their own concepts, but we have not yet reached our destination. Who is God? To understand God, first we have to adopt a definition that is acceptable to everyone.
This book provides a detailed analysis of the various philosophies related to the concept of God and critically examines the claims made by those who advocate for the existence of a divine entity.
Bridging the Language Gap
While numerous works on the subject of ancient Indian philosophies exist in English, this book offers a valuable resource for those seeking knowledge in Hindi. It’s crucial to ensure that access to information isn’t limited by language barriers and that insightful works are available to a wider audience.
The Power of Global Discourse
The global academic community extensively discusses and analyzes the existence of God. Religious people protect their languages because they understand that global discussion happens in English, and modern science is against the theory of god. However, in India, the dominance of certain narratives has suppressed dissenting voices and limited access to alternative perspectives. Understanding the suppression of alternative viewpoints is crucial, especially when considering the available resources.
The Erasure of Dissenting Voices
The Suppression of Pali and Prakrit
Historically, languages like Pali and Prakrit, which challenged theistic beliefs, faced systematic suppression and eventual disappearance. People eliminated their literature and scripts, hindering access to alternative philosophical viewpoints.
The Linguistic Divide
Even today, a linguistic divide persists, with religious individuals often prioritizing their native languages while neglecting global languages like English.
This limits their exposure to diverse perspectives and reinforces existing beliefs. If the suppression of dissenting voices continued, how could we claim that there has been a truly comprehensive understanding of Indian philosophical history?
The Impact of Globalized Knowledge
The rise of modern science has significantly challenged the notion of a deity, yet this intellectual revolution has been less impactful in regions where English proficiency is limited. The illusion that god is immortal is broken into pieces which are difficult to assemble. The global approach has not been achieved because they are stuck in their vernacular languages.
Reassessing Indian Philosophical Systems
Beyond the Six Schools
While the six orthodox schools of Indian philosophy are widely recognized, the “Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha,” a 14th-century text by Madhava Acharya, presents a more comprehensive view, encompassing sixteen distinct philosophical systems.
This highlights the diversity and complexity of Indian philosophical thought. “Darsana” in this context refers to a system of thought or perspective.
The Enigma of Madhava Acharya
Interestingly, there’s a lack of concrete evidence regarding the existence of the 14th-century Madhava Acharya. 14th-century writer Madhavacharya has no historical evidence. This raises questions about the authenticity and origins of the “Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha” and its portrayal of Indian philosophical history.
The Compilation of Knowledge
Most of the Vedas were compiled by the people of South India. The compilation of Vedas, the compilation of Nayayaical system, the compilation of Geeta and other sarvdarshan sangrah was all by south indians. It’s crucial to acknowledge that the compilation and interpretation of these texts were often influenced by specific agendas and perspectives, shaping the narratives that have been passed down through generations.
A Closer Look at the Sixteen Philosophies
The Inclusion of Heterodox Schools
The “Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha” includes heterodox schools like Buddhism and Jainism, acknowledging their significant contributions to Indian philosophical discourse. The writer referred to Buddha as sukhdev. This inclusive approach provides a more nuanced understanding of the intellectual landscape of ancient India.
Differentiating Shaivism and Pashupatism
The text distinguishes between Nakulisha Pashupata and Shiva Darshan, highlighting the diverse interpretations and practices within the broader framework of Shaivism. It’s crucial to avoid conflating these distinct traditions and recognising their unique characteristics. There are narratives that the seal found in the Indus Valley civilization is related to Pashupati Darshan, but they are entirely different.
Examining Vaisheshika Philosophy
The text identifies the Vaisheshika school as propounded by Kanada. It is also said that there is a rishi who made it; it is being told like that. But there were no rishis in ancient India. The presence of multiple interpretations and traditions within the Vaisheshika school underscores the complexity and dynamism of Indian philosophical thought. Some people try to relate Vaisheshika philosophy to Brahman. These are all entirely different darshanas.
The Nastik Core: Challenging Theistic Claims
Three Pillars of Atheism
Among the sixteen philosophies, three stand out as distinctly atheistic: Charvaka, Jainism, and Buddhism. These schools reject the existence of a supreme being and offer alternative explanations for the universe and human existence.
The Misinterpretation of Buddhism
Despite its atheistic underpinnings, some have attempted to portray Buddhism as a theistic philosophy, altering the very definition of theism to fit this narrative. Communist historians like DD Kosambi tried to establish that Buddha darshan was aastik. This highlights the challenges in accurately interpreting and categorizing complex philosophical systems.
The Charvaka Enigma
While some attempt to portray Charvaka as an ancient philosophical school, its origins remain shrouded in mystery. Charvaka philosophy has no historical evidence. Evidence for Charvaka thought only emerges around the 10th century AD, suggesting that it may have been a later development rather than an ancient tradition.
Deconstructing the Narrative of Theistic Dominance
Internal Criticism of Theistic Schools
Even within theistic schools, internal criticisms and debates existed. Philosophers who advocated for the existence of God often criticized the Vedanta Darshan. This highlights the diversity and dynamism of philosophical discourse within these traditions. The temple bell rings on both sides, which can be neither a theist nor an atheist.
Vedanta’s Middle Ground
Shankaracharya, a prominent figure in Vedanta philosophy, attempted to bridge the gap between theistic and atheistic perspectives, drawing from Buddhist concepts like ‘shunyata’ (emptiness) and ‘vigyanvad’ (consciousness-only). He played in the middle by picking concepts from Buddhism. This attempt to reconcile opposing viewpoints ultimately led to criticism from both sides, highlighting the challenges of navigating complex philosophical debates.
The Illusion of Patanjali’s Theism
Despite claims that Patanjali, the proponent of Yoga philosophy, was a devotee of the Shunga dynasty and a staunch theist, a careful reading of his Yoga Sutras reveals no explicit mention of a supreme being. The entire book does not talk about god, the existence of god, etc. This further challenges the notion of a unified theistic tradition in ancient India.
The Intricacies of Philosophical Influence
Mimamsa and the Rejection of God
The Mimamsa school, particularly the Purva Mimamsa, considers God to be unnecessary, asserting that its framework doesn’t require a divine entity.
This highlights the diversity of perspectives within Indian philosophy, even among those considered orthodox.
Vedanta’s Redefinition of the Divine
Vedanta philosophy, through its concept of “Aham Brahmasmi” (I am Brahman), equates the individual soul with the ultimate reality, diminishing the need for a separate, external God. “Aham Brahmasmi” (I am Brahman) – Brahman refers to the ultimate reality or the cosmic principle in Hinduism. This redefinition of the divine challenges traditional theistic notions and emphasizes the inherent divinity within each individual.
The Timeline of Philosophical Development
It’s crucial to note that these philosophical systems emerged and evolved over time, primarily during the 14th and 15th centuries AD.
Understanding the historical context of these developments is essential for a nuanced interpretation of their significance.
The Brahminical Influence: A Case Study of Nyaya and Vaisheshika
The Brahminization of Atheistic Systems
The Nyaya and Vaisheshika schools, originally atheistic in nature, underwent a process of “Brahminization” in later centuries, as Brahmins sought to integrate them into their worldview.
This highlights the dynamic interplay between different philosophical traditions and the potential for ideological appropriation.
Kanada’s Silence on God
Kanada, the founder of the Vaisheshika school, never mentions the word “Ishwar” (God) in his original Sutras, further supporting the notion that this system was initially atheistic. Despite this, the school textbooks teach about Kanad Rishi and about Anu and parmanu, etc, which is false information.
The Distortion of Atomic Theory
Attempts to portray Kanada Rishi as the discoverer of atoms and molecules are misleading.
The concept of “anu” (atom) in Vaisheshika philosophy differs significantly from the modern understanding of atoms, and attributing this discovery to Kanada is anachronistic. By this, the current definition of science and discoveries would become invalid.
The Contradictions within Theistic Interpretations
Gautama’s Ambiguous Reference to God
Gautama, the founder of the Nyaya school, mentions the word “Ishwar” only once in his Sutras, and even then, it’s used to refute certain arguments rather than affirm the existence of a divine being. The Gautam Dharma Sutra had a verse that the shudra should not have a right to education if they get to hear the Vedas put molten lead in their ears, it has been written in the Gautam Dharma Sutra. This highlights the complexities and contradictions within theistic interpretations of these philosophical systems.
The Critique of Divine Agency
Gautama argues that if God is the sole dispenser of karmic fruits, then human effort becomes meaningless. This critique challenges the notion of a divinely ordained system of rewards and punishments and emphasizes the importance of human agency.
The Borrowed Concept of Ishwar
Later interpretations of Nyaya and Vaisheshika incorporated the concept of Ishwar, but this was likely borrowed from the Pashupati school, highlighting the fluidity and interconnectedness of philosophical ideas.
The Ishwar concept was not from its originality. The borrowed concept came from Pashupati Darshan.
The Emergence of Theistic Arguments: A Case Study of Udayana
The Nyaya Kusumanjali: A Shift Towards Theism
In the 10th century AD (though evidence suggests a later origin), Udayana wrote the “Nyaya Kusumanjali,” a text that attempts to establish the existence of God and the authority of the Vedas. This marks a significant shift towards theism within the Nyaya school, driven by a desire to counter dissenting voices and solidify the dominance of Vedic thought. The brahmins made a deal with muslims and other kings at the time so that their theistic philosophy should be given importance. But actual evidence suggests that Nastik Darshan was followed by many.
Eight Arguments for God’s Existence
Udayana presented eight arguments to support the existence of God: Karyat (causation), Aayojanaat (arrangement), Dhriteh (support), Padat (word), Pratyatah (knowledge), Shruteh (scripture), Vakyaat (sentence) and Sankhya Visheshat (numerical specificity). A brief understanding of each is explained below:
- Karyat: The world is an effect, so there should be someone who is making this happen.
- Aayojanaat: Atoms do not have their own motion. To create a structure like a tree, atoms must come together, and an ishwar does that.
- Dhritiyat: The world is supporting itself, so there must be a person who is supporting it.
- Padat: The power of various words is expressed by Ishwar. Ishwar tells which word means what.
- Pratyekta: Knowledge has to be certified, therefore, it needs an ishwar
- Shruthi: Ayurveda is made by someone similarly; Veda has also been created by someone.
- Vakyat: Like the composer of the Mahabharata, the Veda also has a sentence maker.
- Sankhya Visheshat: The atoms cannot come together on their own to establish a new world, so there is an ishwar who is establishing it.
These arguments, often considered simplistic and naive, reflect a deliberate attempt to counter atheistic viewpoints and solidify theistic beliefs.
At that time in India most people were atheists and there was a need to prove the existence of god. He gave 8 reasons which seemed childish and kiddish.
The Brahminical Endorsement
Scholars like Dr. Joshi have endorsed Udayana’s arguments, claiming that they establish the Vedas as infallible guides and legitimize Vedic interpretations. The brahman doctor Joshi propagated that the Vedas are abhrant and are the ultimate destination, and ishwar is present. However, such endorsements often ignore the critiques and alternative perspectives offered by dissenting philosophical traditions. One cannot compare the theory of the quran, the bible or the Vedas. For comparison, a fixed thing is needed, for example, a calibrated weight machine. Based on that science, the weights can be compared.
What Can You Do?
To engage with ancient indian philosophies more deeply, consider the following:
- Study the Vedas using logic and reasoning: Approach these texts with a critical and analytical mindset.
- Challenge beliefs: Don’t blindly accept established doctrines; question and explore different perspectives.
- Explore Nastik philosophies: Delve into the atheistic schools of thought to gain a broader understanding.
- Cultivate a scientific temperament: Embrace a rational and evidence-based approach to philosophical inquiry.
By understanding the different philosophical views and traditions and their origin, anyone can establish their view with logic and reasoning.
Read more about Ancient Science in Hinduism.
Find out more about the Truth of Ayurveda.
The reality is that we have not yet found the right God, the real God. Our religions and their founders have helped us to some extent by giving their own concepts, but we have not yet reached our destination. Who is God? To understand God, first we have to adopt a definition that is acceptable to everyone.
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