Characteristics of Indian Philosophy

It is a good idea to know the characteristics of Indian philosophy if one wants to fully appreciate the nature and dynamics of Indian philosophy. Thus, these very short notes on Indian philosophy will present the major characteristics of Indian philosophy.

First, Indian philosophy in general concentrates on the spiritual.

Except for Charvaka and related doctrines, Indian philosophy conceives man to be spiritual in nature, interested primarily in his spiritual destiny, and relates him in one way or another to a universe which is also spiritual in essence (see A Source Book in Indian Philosophy, eds. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and Charles Moore. New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 1957, p. xix).

In Indian philosophy, both man and the universe are looked upon as metaphysical in character, and material welfare is never recognized as the goal of human life, except by the Charvaka. Also, philosophy and religion are intimately related since philosophy itself is regarded as a spiritual adventure.

Second, Indian philosophy believed in the ultimate relationship between philosophy and life.

Philosophy in India has never been considered a mere intellectual exercise. The close relationship between theory and practice, doctrine and life, has always been outstanding in Indian thought. Every Indian philosophy seeks the truth, not as an “academic knowledge for its own sake”, but to learn the truth which shall make them free (see Source Book in Indian Philosophy, p. xxii).

In India, philosophy is for life; it is to be lived. Thus, the goal of the Indian philosopher is not just to know the ultimate truth but also to realize it. This might sound a bit pragmatic, but it should not be viewed from the vantage point of American pragmatism. According to scholars, Indian pragmatism is much larger and deeper than American pragmatism.

Third, Indian philosophy is characterized by the introspective attitude and introspective approach to reality.

In the Indian tradition, philosophy is thought of as knowledge of the self (atmavidya). In its pursuit of the truth, Indian philosophy has always bee strongly dominated by concerns with the inner life and self of man rather than the external world of physical nature (see Source Book in Indian Philosophy, p. xxii). For the Indian, therefore, the self is the path towards the ultimate truth.

Fourth, Indian philosophy is idealistic.

Indian philosophy seeks the ideal. This is described as monistic idealism. Monistic idealism holds the belief that “reality” is ultimately one and ultimately spiritual. However, it must be noted that Indian idealism does not disregard materialism. Only, it goes beyond the material. The “idea” of the ultimate “one reality” is the ideal of Indian philosophy.

Fifth, Indian philosophy uses intuition as the only method through which the ultimate is known.

For the Indian thinkers, reason or intellectual knowledge is not enough. But it must be noted that for the Indian thinkers, reason is not useless or fallacious. It is just that it is insufficient. This is because for the Indian thinkers, reason cannot discover or reach the truth. It can only demonstrate the truth. For this reason, the Indians rely on intuition, that is, direct insight on something, in knowing the truth.

Sixth, Indian philosophy accepts the legitimacy of “authority”.

Reverence for ancient Indian texts is one of the important characteristics of Indian philosophy. For example, the Vedas and the Upanishads had permeated Indian thought. As it is claimed, the later Indian schools were basically commentaries on the ancient Indian sacred texts.

Seventh, Indian philosophy is holistic.

Indian philosophy always thinks of the whole. Unlike the Westerners, Indian philosophy does cut off reality into pieces. For example, metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, religion, and values are not cut off from each other, but treated in their natural unity as aspects of one life and experience or of single comprehensive reality (see Source Book in Indian Philosophy, p. xxvi).

The Value of Studying Indian Philosophy

Studying Indian philosophy is important historically, philosophically, and politically.

Historically, Indian philosophy forms the foundation of modern philosophy inasmuch as philosophy is understood as a progression of thoughts. Indian philosophy has been considered as landmark of human thought. Any study of philosophy at present, therefore, should begin with the past. And to this end, Indian philosophy has much to contribute.

Philosophically, the study of Indian philosophy is important in the search for the truth. Philosophy must include all insights and all experiences in its purview, and, again, Indian philosophy has much to contribute here.

Lastly, political insights always presuppose philosophical understanding. Since it is claimed that social and political conditions depend upon the philosophical and spiritual thoughts and ideals of the people of the world, Indian philosophy, then, is politically relevant.