Essay # - Astika (Orthodox) Hindu Systems
For this assignment Ton will resent a summary of the ideas resented b the astika systems of Hinduism.
• (Nyaya, Vaisesika, Samkhya, Yoga, Purva Mimamsa)
• Quote excerpts from the readings in An Introduction to Indian Philosophy and explain the material that is being discussed in each case.
• You do not need to cover Advaita Vedanta since it is the topic for Essay #1.
• If you would like to focus on one or more specific systems for your paper, you may do so.
• Be sure to use quotes from the text to illustrate the points you want to make.
• Consider doing a bit of extra research in order to go beyond class discussion. Challenge: can you find something out about your topic that the instructor didn't talk about?
• Be sure to hold your conversation together around a common theme: What conclusion can you arrive at based on your survey of Indian thought?
Questions to consider:
• What is the central concern of the system you are examining?
• What are some of the key words/concepts discussed in each system?
• How does it relate to the other systems?
• How do you feel about the arguments/ideas presented? Are they accurate? Are they applicable today?
• We have studied the development of early Hindu philosophy over a period of many centuries.
• What have you learned about the origins of philosophy and religion in human history?
• What have you taken away from studying these ancient Hindu ideas so far?