At the birthplace of Ayurveda, there are six main philosophies that influence this art of daily living for a quality ever-evolving life of divinity. These six philosophies are described as Shad Darshan— Shad meaning six and Darshan referring to our vision, both inner and outer, that illuminates and orients us with reality. Shad Darshan is also translated to six philosophies and refers to Sankhya, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimamsa, Yoga, and Vedanta philosophy.
Sankhya
Sankhya philosophy relates consciousness into matter through a journey of understanding the manifestation of the universe. This philosophy perceives the senses and qualities of nature as a means to bridge consciousness with the material world. Lets break this down.
- Consciousness is a potential energy which resides in the senses. This Consciousness is a choice-less awareness (Purusha).
- Purusha integrates choice when interacting with our creative will (Prakruti)
- Purusha (awareness) and Prakriti (will) are brought together for creation through collective intelligence (Mahad).
- The Mahad (intelligence) in our cells that allows us to digest food and absorb nutrients in different than the intelligence based on our perception and identification with the world. This individual awareness is developed through previous experiences.
Sankhya identifies three universal qualities (gunas) that weave through all Creation: sattva, rajas, and tamas. These qualities are also necessary for maintaining our own bodily functions.
- Sattva— pure, transparent, harmonious. “Potential energy” in physics.
- Rajas— energy of action and change. “Kinetic energy” in physics
- Tamas— darkness, confusion, and resistance to change. “Inertia” in physics
Nyaya & Vaisheshika
Nyaya and Vaisheshika philosophies relate logic to concrete reality through methods of understanding and sourcing valid knowledge. The four sources of valid knowledge include:
- Perception (Pratyaksha) – through the senses and intuition
- Inference (Anumana) – based on previous experience
- Comparison (Upamana) – based on noticing similarities and differences
- Testimony (Shabda) – based on verbal truth or authority truth
According to Vaisheshika, there are nine substances that cause creation, the first five are elements that makeup nature in the macrocosm of our universe and the microcosms in our bodies. These elements–ether, air, fire, water, and earth– are the baseline for doshas in Ayurveda and useful measures for healing and balance. The following causative substances include soul, mind, time, and direction. Soul gives rise to our consciousness, without the soul, awareness is not possible. Although the soul can’t be measured, we can merge with it and experience it. The mind directs experience and can connect with the soul through meditation. The next causative substance is time, a marker and producer of change. The last causative factor is direction: north, south, east and west. Direction correlates to the five elements and provides useful information in Ayurveda to live in synchronicity with the earth by aligning spaces in a home to their natural direction. For example, the water element is located in the northeast, we can bring blessings from this element by practicing meditative rituals in this area of a home. The Vedic understanding of arrangement is called vastu shilpa shastra and can be implemented as follows:
- Southeast is the direction of fire – kitchen space
- Southwest is the direction of earth – sleep space
- Northwest is the direction of air – socializing space and area for fresh air
- Northeast is the direction of water – meditation space
- Middle is the direction of ether – empty space
Mimamsa
Mimamsa means to deeply understand the truth through living out one’s duty or acting in light of awareness (Dharma). This philosophy describes God as a universal being, existent in every human. Part of attaining freedom through Mimamsa involves truly knowing God through understanding oneself. Practicing Mimamsa integrates seeing the divine in every being and is incorporated into Ayurveda through healing rituals, ceremonies, and altars. There is a vast amount of ritual practice that is described through Mimamsa.
Yoga
Yoga philosophy is oriented towards union of the lower self with the higher self through steps of spiritual discipline and controlling one’s thought waves. This system for expanding one’s consciousness was founded by Patanjali and described in eight steps in the Yoga Sutras. Yoga involves inward movement of the senses through increasingly mindful practices that bring about a state of peace and liberation. If you are interested in learning more about the Eight Limbs of Yoga, we have articles that go in depth on the meaning and practices that accompany each step. The eight methods are as follows: Yamas, Niyamas, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Dharma.
1.Yoga’s Ethical Guide for Social Conduct: The Yamas
2. Yoga’s Guide to Self Discipline and Spiritual Practice: Niyamas
3. The Power of Posture: Asana
4. Awakening Energy with the Breath: Pranayama
5. Happy Mind, Healthy Soul: Pratyahara
6. Tips for Concentration: Dharana
7. Meditation for your Dosha: Dhyana
8. Liberation in Your Life: Samadhi and Dharma
Vedanta
Vedanta means the ending of knowledge and the universal consciousness that unites us all. To fully realize consciousness in each moment requires a release of knowledge obtained through books and external investigation. It requires a deep inquiry of our own thoughts, emotions, and who we are, putting that intelligence at the forefront of our life.
Buddhism
Ayurveda later incorporated Buddhist thought into it’s philosophy for the alleviation of suffering through patience, for everything will pass.
Each of the six philosophies has woven together a foundation of perception for Ayurveda to grow from. Many of the values and principles ring similar throughout these philosophies, for the universal consciousness is true and always has been.
References
Lad, Vasant. Textbook of Ayurveda Fundamental Principles. 1st Edition. The Ayurvedic Press, 2002
Article by Kaylee Vinson
Published 4/22/2025
