Vedanta - Discussion Forum I (introductory))

[Sunder]

A Dharshana is literally a VIEW Point. There are six Asthika Dharshanas (Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Sankhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, Vedanta), and Three known Nastika dharshanas (Jaina, Bauddha, Charvaka) in the Indian Cosmology. Asthika means ones that believe, and nasthika means ones that do not believe.

Here, the belief and disbelief is not with respect to "GOD", but with respect to the validity of the Vedas. Even though Vaisheshika, Samkhya, and Mimamsa do not talk about Ishwara or do not give much improtance to it. While Nastika darshanas, while believe in reincarnation (except for charvaka) do not consider Vedas as Pramana (I think I had already posted this many times.)

<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->When one school refutes another what does it mean ? That the other has seen some other reality ?<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
In Ancient India, Ideological battles did not amount to Jihads or Commie type propogandas. It was hardcore debates, with the intent of proving one's point, and to know the TRUTH. You will see that Prasthana Traya (Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Brahmasutra) teach you in a "dialogue format", where the teacher is constantly questioned or an opponent (Purvapakshi) questions a proponent (Siddhanthi.)

The refutations do not mean a wholesale demolition of a view point. Vedanta accepts some teachings of sankhya, mimamsa etc, but does not accept other parts of it. E.g. Purusha, Prakruthi, and Gunas etc are acceptable, but saying that Pradhana (Mula prakruthi) is the first cause is not acceptable. Over time, this will be evident to you.. Just read the Brahma Sutras, and if you have questions feel free to ask.