Indian Philosophy is not only a subject but a part of life. Each system has its band of followers who form the school of that philosophy. Though they all present different views, there are certain commonalities to them. Let us discuss this below.
Characteristics of Indian Philosophy
Philosophy as a Practical Necessity
All the systems of Indian Philosophy hold philosophy as a practical necessity. It means that the aim of philosophical wisdom is not only to satisfy our intellectual curiosity but also to enlighten life. However, the presence of a practical motive did not narrow the scope of Indian Philosophy.
Pessimism in Indian Philosophy
Indian Philosophy has been criticized as pessimistic. It is pessimistic because it works under a sense of discomfort. It discovers that life is nothing but a tragedy. However, no system of Indian Philosophy stops here. The systems also bring light to the message of hope. In this way, pessimism in the Indian system is only initial and not final.
Faith in Eternal Moral Order
The outlook that guarantees the Indian system its final optimism is the faith in an eternal moral order. This faith dominates the entire history of Indian Philosophy (except Carvaka). Different systems name this eternal moral order differently. In Rig Veda, it is called Rta. Mimamsa calls it Apurva, and Nyaya-Vaisesika names it adrsta. This eternal moral order, in general, is called karma.
This faith in an eternal moral order enables the Indian thinkers to take the present evil as the consequence of their action, and hope for a better future by improving himself now.
Universe as the Moral stage
Indian systems also tend to regard the universe as the moral stage. Here, all living beings get to dress and act morally to deserve well in the future.
Ignorance of Reality is the cause of Bondage
All Indian thinkers hold that ignorance of reality is the root cause of human bondage, and liberation is achieved only with the knowledge of reality. However, the thinkers never believed that a mere acquaintance with truth would at once remove imperfections. Two types of discipline were thought necessary for making such understanding permanent and effective: A. Continued meditation on accepted truths, and B. Practical life of self-control. These were important to attain liberation.
Liberation is the highest end of life
All Indian systems, except the Carvaka, accept the idea of liberation as the highest end of life, though every school had a slightly different meaning of ‘liberation’.
Vastness of Space-Time World
The final common characteristic of Indian thought is the prevailing sense of the vastness of the space-time world.
In conclusion, Indian philosophy provides a complex and varied intellectual terrain that goes beyond simple analysis. Indian philosophical systems are woven together by shared threads, even if each school offers distinct viewpoints. These commonalities have been discussed above.
Reference
Dutta & Chatterjee: An Introduction to Indian Philosophy, University of Calcutta, 1968