Indian philosophies can be divided into two divisions; Astika and Nastika. The Astikans are extremely influential in the utilization of Ayurvedic healing as they believe in a god, life after death, and most importantly, the authority of the Vedas. The Astika division can be further divided into six main philosophies or darsanas which are defined as “a science where the facts of natural phenomena are collected and classified and their natural relations determined” (Majumdar 1998, 7). These consist of; Nyaya, Vaiseshika, Sāṅkhya, Yoga, Mīmāmsā, and Vedānta. The Sāṅkhya philosophy has been the most influential on the development of Ayurveda humoral philosophy, which will be described in detail, but each philosophy deserves some attention (Majumdar 1998, 7).
Nyaya
The Nyaya darsana is “a critical examination of the objects of knowledge by means of canons and logical proof. The purpose of Nyaya is to accomplish the highest goal of life, i.e., salvation (moksa)” (Gopinath 2001, 106)
Vaisesika
This particular philosophy “believes in the plurality of souls” and stresses the eternal elements; ether, earth, water, fire, and air (Gopinath 2001, 107). There are six major components that accentuate this system; Substance (dravya), Quality (guna), Action (Karma), Generality (samanya), Particularity (viśesa), and Inherence (samavāya). Some of these components, specifically Quality/guna, will become more significant later.
Sāṅkhya
Sāṅkhya is the oldest and most significant branch of Indian philosophy. It means perfect knowledge and some use it to identify “a person who has acquired a knowledge of reality” (Gopinath 2001, 105). This is a dualistic philosophy that contains the complementary forms of Prakrti and Purusa which constitute the matter and the spirit. While Purusa remains unchanged, Prakriti is fluid and is affected by the three gunas; sattva, rajas, and tamas (Gopinath 2001, 105).
Yoga
“Although the maintenance of health and the removal of mental and physical disorders are the main concerns of Ayurveda, the ultimate purpose of achieving perfect health is also aimed at emancipation or liberation from agonies of the material world” (Gopinath 2001, 94). Yoga and intense meditation is seen as a way to cleanse the sensory organs and is significantly important for the overall harmony of the mind, body, and soul.
Mīmāmsā
The Mīmāmsā philosophy is the least detailed philosophy in Ayurveda, but is concerned with logical thinking and rituals (Gopinath 2001, 97).
Vedānta
The Vedānta philosophy is about acknowledging reality to obtain salvation and its key element is that “miseries are likely to continue as long as the cycle of birth and death exists and believed that the solution to endless miseries lies in the liberation of the soul and its union with Brahman,” (Gopinath 2001, 97).
