1. Vedic Darśana Tradition

Spirituality and philosophy are profoundly embedded within ancient Vedic texts. These well-documented, widely spread, deeply rooted, openly investigated, and soundly interpreted Vedic texts indicate the explicit way to the ultimate bliss which is attainable only by profound spirituality. However, from ancient times in India, philosophy and spirituality are interrelated. The development of Philosophy is based on spirituality itself. Without spirituality, there is no existence of philosophy in India^[1]. Therefore, we use the word ‘darśana’ for philosophy, which is a more appropriate word that represents philosophy pervaded by spirituality.

India is a land of spiritual wisdom. A land where, from ancient times, the contemplation on the transcendent has perpetually flowed. A land where the concept of ‘one world family’ prevailed. A land of realized sages and profound philosophical thinkers who had connected the individual with the supreme entity. Here, the mysteries of life and the afterlife have been unraveled. The principle of cause and effect has been deeply pondered upon, and conclusive discussions on the creation, sustenance, and dissolution of the world have transpired. This land has gifted the world with terms such as pramāṇamīmāṃsā (epistemology), tattvamīmāṃsā (metaphysics), sādhanamīmāṃsā (spiritual endeavor), and muktimīmāṃsā (soteriology). These are in fact, the subject matter of any darśana through which scholars analyze, discuss, and consolidate their respective positions.