The terms "orthodox" and "heterodox" are often used to describe various schools of thought within Indian philosophy.
Orthodox (Āstika) Schools:
These are the schools that accept the authority of the Vedas, the ancient sacred texts of Hinduism. They include:
- Nyāya: Focuses on logic and epistemology.
- Vaisheshika: Deals with metaphysics and natural philosophy.
- Sāṃkhya: Emphasizes dualism between consciousness and matter.
- Yoga: Concerned with the discipline of the mind and body to achieve spiritual insight.
- Mīmāṃsā (Pūrva Mīmāṃsā): Concentrates on the ritualistic aspects of the Vedas.
- Vedānta (Uttara Mīmāṃsā): Focuses on the philosophical teachings of the Upanishads¹.
Heterodox (Nāstika) Schools:
These schools do not accept the authority of the Vedas and often challenge the orthodox schools. They include:
- Buddhism: Teaches the path to enlightenment through understanding the nature of suffering and following the Eightfold Path.
- Jainism: Emphasizes non-violence, truth, and asceticism as means to liberation.
- Cārvāka (Lokāyata): A materialistic and skeptical school of thought that rejected the supernatural.
These schools collectively explore a wide range of topics, from the nature of reality and the universe to the means of achieving knowledge and liberation. They have significantly contributed to the rich tapestry of Indian art, culture, and philosophy.