1.2 Key concepts and terminology in Indian philosophy

Indian philosophy is built on key concepts that shape its worldview. Dharma, karma, moksha, and atman form the foundation, addressing cosmic order, moral causality, liberation, and the nature of self. These ideas provide a framework for understanding reality and human existence.

Additional concepts like samsara, maya, and Brahman further enrich Indian philosophical thought. They explore the cycle of rebirth, the illusory nature of reality, and the ultimate cosmic principle. Together, these concepts form an interconnected system that tackles life's big questions.

Key Concepts in Indian Philosophy

Fundamental Philosophical Terms

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• Dharma encompasses cosmic law, duty, righteousness, and moral order in Indian philosophy
  • Spans individual, social, and universal dimensions of ethical conduct
  • Provides framework for understanding natural order
  • Guides behavior in alignment with cosmic principles
• Karma represents principle of cause and effect in action, thought, and intent
  • Determines nature of future experiences and rebirth in samsara cycle
  • Explains moral causality across multiple lifetimes
  • Addresses questions of justice and personal responsibility
• Moksha signifies ultimate goal of liberation from rebirth and suffering cycle
  • Achieved through spiritual realization and ego dissolution
  • Provides direction and purpose to philosophical inquiry
  • Interpreted differently across schools (union with Brahman, cessation of suffering)
• Atman refers to eternal, unchanging self or soul in Indian philosophy
  • Often equated with Brahman in Vedantic schools
  • Subject of debate regarding its nature and existence
  • Central to discussions of ultimate reality and self

Additional Key Concepts

• Samsara denotes continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth
  • Driven by karma and characterized by suffering and impermanence
  • Explains continuity of existence across multiple lifetimes
  • Integral to understanding human condition in Indian thought
• Maya refers to illusion or appearance of phenomenal world
  • Obscures true nature of reality and self
  • Crucial in epistemological debates within Indian philosophy
  • Central to Advaita Vedanta, interpreted differently in other schools
• Brahman represents ultimate reality, absolute, infinite, and eternal principle
  • Underlies all existence in many Indian philosophical systems
  • Relationship with atman is point of contention among schools
  • Central to metaphysical discussions about nature of reality

Significance of Key Concepts

Foundational Framework

• Form basis for understanding reality, existence, and human condition
  • Integrate ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and soteriology
  • Provide holistic worldview in Indian philosophical traditions
  • Address fundamental questions about nature of self and reality
• Dharma establishes foundation for ethical and moral reasoning
  • Guides individual and societal behavior
  • Aligns human conduct with cosmic order
  • Varies in interpretation (ritualistic adherence, ethical conduct, cosmic alignment)
• Karma and samsara explain mechanism of moral causality
  • Address questions of justice across multiple lifetimes
  • Provide framework for understanding personal responsibility
  • Interpreted as metaphysical force or psychological principle

Philosophical Inquiry and Debate

• Moksha represents ultimate soteriological goal in Indian thought
  • Directs spiritual and philosophical inquiry
  • Varies in conception across schools (union with Brahman, cessation of suffering)
  • Linked to understanding and transcending karma and maya
• Atman and Brahman central to metaphysical discussions
  • Focus of debates on nature of self and reality
  • Particularly important in Vedantic philosophy
  • Interpretations range from identity (Advaita Vedanta) to rejection (Buddhism)
• Maya crucial in epistemological and perceptual debates
  • Explores relationship between knowledge, perception, and reality
  • Influences understanding of ultimate truth and illusion
  • Emphasized differently across philosophical schools

Interpretations of Key Concepts

Variations Across Philosophical Schools

• Dharma interpretations differ among traditions
  • Mimamsa: Ritualistic adherence to sacred texts
  • Buddhism and Jainism: Emphasis on ethical conduct
  • Vedanta: Alignment with cosmic order and universal law
• Karma viewed through various philosophical lenses
  • Some schools: Metaphysical force governing rebirth
  • Other schools: Psychological principle of moral causality
  • Buddhism: Emphasizes intention (cetana) in karmic actions
• Atman's nature and existence debated across traditions
  • Advaita Vedanta: Atman identical to Brahman
  • Dvaita Vedanta: Atman distinct from but dependent on Brahman
  • Buddhism: Rejects existence of permanent self (anatman)
• Moksha conceived differently in various philosophical systems
  • Vedanta: Union with Brahman or realization of true self
  • Buddhism: Cessation of suffering and end of rebirth cycle (nirvana)
  • Jainism: Liberation of the jiva (soul) from karmic bondage

Concept Emphasis and Application

• Maya's role varies in importance across schools
  • Advaita Vedanta: Central concept explaining world illusion
  • Samkhya: Less emphasis, focus on prakriti (material nature)
  • Nyaya-Vaisheshika: Interpreted through lens of realism
• Relationship between atman and Brahman contentious
  • Non-dualism (Advaita): Complete identity
  • Qualified non-dualism (Vishishtadvaita): Unity with distinction
  • Dualism (Dvaita): Fundamental difference between soul and God
• Importance of concepts in discourse and practice varies
  • Orthodox schools (astika): Generally accept authority of Vedas
  • Heterodox schools (nastika): May reject or reinterpret Vedic concepts
  • Practical application ranges from meditation to ethical living

Interconnectedness of Key Concepts

Conceptual Relationships

• Dharma, karma, and samsara form interconnected system
  • Explain moral causality and cycle of existence
  • Dharma guides ethical action, influencing karma
  • Karma determines nature of rebirth within samsara
• Atman and Brahman relationship central to ultimate reality discussions
  • Influences interpretations of moksha and nature of self
  • Advaita Vedanta: "Tat tvam asi" (That thou art) emphasizes unity
  • Other schools maintain varying degrees of distinction
• Maya interacts with understanding of atman and Brahman
  • Viewed as veil obscuring true nature of self and reality
  • Plays crucial role in epistemological and metaphysical inquiries
  • Overcoming maya often seen as step towards moksha

Comprehensive Framework

• Interplay between concepts addresses existential questions
  • Nature of reality: Explored through maya and Brahman
  • Self: Examined through atman and its relation to Brahman
  • Purpose of life: Understood through dharma and moksha
• Moksha intricately linked to other fundamental concepts
  • Requires understanding and transcending effects of karma
  • Involves piercing veil of maya to realize true nature
  • Achieved through alignment with dharma in many traditions
• Different schools emphasize or de-emphasize certain relationships
  • Leads to diverse soteriological paths (knowledge, devotion, action)
  • Results in varied metaphysical interpretations of reality
  • Influences practical approaches to spiritual practice and ethics