PinnedFoundations of Indian Philosophy & Dharma ExplainedDharma, Karma, Pramana — Dharma is often confused to be religion, with the misuse of labels like Hindu, Buddhist, Jain. However, it is not a religion; rather, it can be best described as a culture. So what is the difference? A religion is a culture where a common ultimatum must be accepted by all…Dharma2 min read
PinnedEducation, Democracy, and DemagoguerySocrates expressed his views on democracy by asking, “would you like a ship to be captained by anyone or those who are educated in the art of sailing?” He was arguing not for a democracy open to everyone, neither for rule by the elites, instead he demanded only the educated…Democracy2 min read
PinnedOn Leaders, Followers, and PowerLearnings of a Student — Leaders emerge in ambiguity. When oblivion swallows, leaders are the ones who take action. They are crucial to a social species, especially a species as consequential as us homo sapiens. Thus, it is important to understand leadership. Many people study leadership by studying leaders; however, to be a great leader…Leadership4 min read
Nov 1, 2021Samvada & Vada Debate — Indian Debate TheoryThe Good and Honest Debate — The katha or conversation of Vada is complex, rational, and well structured. According to Udyotakara the Vada katha is honest, peaceful, and congenial. It takes places between people of equal credibility, exploring a variety of dimensions in a subject with the goal to establish ultimate truths. …India5 min read
Sep 29, 2021Indian Debate TheorySambhasha Explained — Indians love to debate, it is in the DNA of the subcontinent and bleeds into the entirety of Dharmagan. Over the course of centuries, Indian thinkers begin to recognize methods of acceptable reasonable debate, and distinguishing them from the unacceptable Hetvabhasha or pseudo-reasoning debates. The branch of philosophy which studies…India4 min read
Sep 21, 2021Introduction and History of NyāyaDarshanas of Dharma — Corresponding Video for this Essay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0hnz6Nz4ro&t=12s The Nyāya-sūtra and the many karikas argue that epistemic success is central in the search for happiness, since we must understand the world properly should we desire to achieve the goods it offers (Dasti.) Thus, Nyāya darhma is the pursuit of Truth. Nyāya is…Nyaya3 min read
Sep 14, 2021Introduction and History of SāṅkhyaDarshanas of Dharma — Click link to view Video Essay based on this article: https://youtu.be/Hj1JF_0tqR4 Sāṅkhya is often simplified to atheistic dualism; however, a better way to understand Sāṅkhyaka dharma is that it aims to take into account all the important factors of the whole world, and especially of the human condition (Ruzsa.) The…Sankhya2 min read
Sep 11, 2021Lioness of the HimalayasKarnavati the Great, Invincible Rani of Garhwal — 1631, the kingdom was in mourning. Raja Mahipat Shah, the Lion of Garhwal, had become a martyr in the 9 year long war with Kumoun. He left behind a seven year old son — now king, the precious metal mines of the mountains, and hungry enemies on all sides sniffing…Himalayas4 min read
Aug 31, 2021Pramana: An Introductory ExplanationWhat are the valid Sources of Knowledge? — One of the fundamental questions asked in Dharmika philosophy is, what are the valid sources of knowledge? These sources of knowledge are called the Pramana (Devanagri — प्रमाण, Pronounced — Pramāṇa). There are six Pramana in total; however, not every school or darshana accepts all of them. …Indian Philosophy3 min read
Aug 20, 2021Darshanas of DharmaPart Two: The “Heterodox” Darshanas — The first idea which must be understood is the difference between the six Orthodox or Astika darshanas and the four heterodox or nastika darshana. However, it seems that this difference is not crystal clear. The most common explanation for the differentiation is that Astika darshanas accept the authority of the…Darshana6 min read
