All questions of Indian Schools of Philosophy for UPSC CSE Exam

Yama - Practicing self-control Niyama - Observation of the rules governing one's life Pratyahara - Choosing an object Dharna - Fixing the mind (over the chosen object) Dhyana - Concentrating on the (abovementioned) chosen object Samadhi - It is the merging of the mind and the object that leads to the final dissolution of the self

Brihaspati laid the foundation stone of this school and it was supposed to be one of the earliest schools that developed a philosophical theory. The philosophy is old enough to find mention in the Vedas and Brihadarankya Upanishad. The Charvaka School was the main propounder of the materialistic view to achieve salvation. As it was geared towards the common people, the philosophy was soon dubbed as Lokayata or something derived from the common people. The word 'Lokayata' also meant a keen attachment to the physical and material world (loka). They argued for a complete disregard of any world beyond this world that was inhabited by a person. They denied the existence of any supernatural or divine agent who could regulate our conduct on earth. They argued against the need to achieve salvation and also denied the existence of brahma and God. They believed in anything that could be touched and be experienced by the human senses.

The correct answer is option 'D' - Neither of them.

Explanation:

1. Materialistic View of the Creation of the Universe:
The Sankhya philosophy does not propound a materialistic view of the creation of the universe. Instead, it puts forth a dualistic view where it postulates the existence of two fundamental entities - Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter). According to Sankhya, Purusha is the eternal, unchanging consciousness, while Prakriti is the source of all material manifestations in the universe. The Sankhya philosophy does not deny the existence of consciousness or spiritual aspects, but it primarily focuses on the analysis of matter and its various components.

2. Rational and Scientific View of the Creation of the Universe:
While the Sankhya philosophy is often regarded as one of the most ancient and rational schools of Indian philosophy, it does not necessarily propound a scientific view of the creation of the universe. Sankhya primarily emphasizes the analysis of matter, its components, and their interactions, rather than providing a scientific explanation for the origin of the universe. The philosophy employs a logical and systematic approach to understand the nature of reality, consciousness, and the relationship between Purusha and Prakriti. However, it does not align itself explicitly with the scientific method or theories of the creation of the universe.

In conclusion, both statements regarding the development of a new Sankhya view are incorrect. The Sankhya philosophy does not propound a materialistic view of the creation of the universe, and it does not provide a scientific explanation for the origin of the universe. Instead, Sankhya focuses on analyzing matter and understanding its components and their interactions, while also acknowledging the existence of consciousness.

Introduction:
The Mimansa School is one of the six major schools of Indian philosophy. It is primarily concerned with the interpretation of the Vedas, the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism. The school was developed by Jaimini, who wrote the Mimansa Sutras as the foundational text for this philosophy.

Statement 1: The main focus of this philosophy was on the ritualistic part of the Vedas
The first statement is correct. The Mimansa School places great emphasis on the ritualistic aspects of the Vedas. It believes that the Vedas are primarily concerned with rituals and sacrifices, and that performing these rituals correctly is of utmost importance for attaining desired outcomes and spiritual progress. Mimansa philosophers developed detailed rules and principles for the performance of rituals, including the correct pronunciation of Vedic mantras, the proper use of sacrificial implements, and the accurate timing of rituals. They believed that by performing rituals in the prescribed manner, individuals could fulfill their desires and achieve salvation.

Statement 2: It legitimized the social distance between the various classes
The second statement is incorrect. The Mimansa School did not explicitly legitimize or endorse the social distance between various classes in society. Its primary focus was on the interpretation and performance of Vedic rituals, and it did not concern itself with social hierarchy or class divisions. The Mimansa School primarily aimed to establish a connection between the rituals prescribed in the Vedas and their desired outcomes. It did not address or promote social issues or inequalities.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the correct answer is option D, neither of the statements is incorrect. The Mimansa School of philosophy focused on the ritualistic aspects of the Vedas but did not legitimize or address social distance between various classes.

Vaisheshika School: The Vaisheshika school believes in the physicality of the Universe and is considered to be the realistic and objective philosophy that governs the universe. The Kanada who also wrote the basic text governing the Vaisheshika philosophy is often considered the founder of this school. They argue that everything in the universe was created by the five main elements: fire, air, water, earth and ether (sky).

Statement 1: According to Buddhist philosophy, Vedas might not be useful for humans to achieve salvation

According to Buddhist philosophy, the ultimate goal of human life is to attain liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, known as samsara. This liberation is achieved through the attainment of enlightenment, or Nirvana. Buddhism teaches that this liberation can be attained through one's own efforts, without reliance on external entities or scriptures.

The Vedas are the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism and are considered authoritative by followers of Hinduism. However, Buddhism diverges from Hinduism in many aspects, including its views on the Vedas. While Buddhism acknowledges the historical existence of the Vedas, it does not consider them to be essential for achieving enlightenment or salvation.

In Buddhist philosophy, the path to enlightenment is based on the teachings of the Buddha, who emphasized the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. The Buddha rejected the authority of the Vedas and encouraged his followers to rely on their own direct experience and introspection to understand the nature of reality.

Therefore, statement 1 is correct.

Statement 2: Right speech is one of the eightfold path of Buddhist philosophy

The Eightfold Path is a central concept in Buddhist philosophy and is considered the path to achieving enlightenment. It consists of eight interconnected components or practices that guide individuals towards liberation from suffering.

Right speech is indeed one of the components of the Eightfold Path. It emphasizes the importance of using speech that is truthful, compassionate, and beneficial. Right speech involves refraining from lying, divisive speech, harsh speech, and idle chatter. It encourages individuals to use their words to promote harmony, understanding, and well-being.

By practicing right speech, individuals cultivate ethical conduct and contribute to creating a peaceful and harmonious society. It also helps individuals develop mindfulness and awareness of their words and their impact on themselves and others.

Therefore, statement 2 is also correct.

Conclusion

Both statements 1 and 2 are correct. According to Buddhist philosophy, the Vedas might not be useful for humans to achieve salvation, and right speech is indeed one of the components of the Eightfold Path.

Nyaya School: As the name of the school suggests, they believe in the technique of logical thinking to achieve salvation. They consider the life, death and salvation to be like mysteries that can be solved through logical and analytical thinking. Furthermore, they argue that acquiring 'real knowledge' can only accrue salvation. This school of thought was supposed to be founded by Gautama who is also identified as the author of the Nyaya Sutra.

Orthodox Schools: This school believed that Vedas were the supreme revealed scriptures that hold the secrets to salvation. They did not question the authenticity of the Vedas. They had six subschools that were called the Shada Darshana. Heterodox Schools: They do not believe in the originality of the Vedas and questioned the existence of God, They are divided into three major sub schools.

Jain Philosophy: The Jain philosophy was first elaborated by the Jain tirthankar or wise person Rishaba Deva. He was one amongst the 24 tirthankars who govern the Jain religion. The first amongst them realised that the Adinath was the source of all Jain philosophy. Others who were important to develop and disseminate the Jain philosophy were Aristanemi and AjitNath. Like the Buddhist philosophy, the Jains also oppose the primacy of Vedas to achieve salvation. They also argue that man is surrounded by pain and controlling the mind and regulating one's conduct can stop the suffering faced by human beings. They argued that a man should control his mind by seeking right perception and knowledge. If coupled by the right conduct, he would be able to go on the path of salvation.

Vedanta School: Vedanta is made of two words- 'Veda' and 'ant', i.e. the end of the Vedas. This school upholds the philosophies of life as elaborated in the Upanishads. The oldest text that formed the basis of this philosophy was Brahmasutra of Badrayana that was written and compiled in 2nd century BCE. The philosophy propounds that Brahma is the reality of life and everything else is unreal or Maya. They supported the theory of Karma. Furthermore, the atma or the consciousness of self is similar to the brahma.