Unit 1: Human Values in Vedic Darshana to help you remember easily for your
exam. You can read it like revision notes.
(Q1) Introduction to Vedic Literature
Veda = Knowledge/Wisdom (in Sanskrit)
Time period: 1500–500 BCE
4 Main parts of Vedas:
1. Samhitas – Hymns & prayers (Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda,
Atharvaveda)
2. Brahmanas – Ritual explanations
3. Aranyakas – Forest texts for hermits (spiritual ideas)
4. Upanishads – Philosophical (soul, God, reality)
Extra parts:
o Vedangas – Grammar, phonetics, etc.
o Upavedas – Medicine, music, etc.
(Q2) Why study Vedic Darshana (Philosophy)?
Learn ancient Indian wisdom
Understand reality, self, soul
Help in self-awareness & personal growth
Learn different perspectives
Useful for ethical & meaningful life
Appreciate Indian culture
Apply it to modern issues (like mental health, justice, etc.)
(Q3) Vedic Darshana: Origin & Subject
Darshana = Philosophical system/view
Origin: Based on Vedas & Upanishads
6 Major Schools (Shad-Darshana):
1. Nyaya – Logic & ways of knowing (by Gautama)
2. Vaisheshika – Atomism, reality categories (by Kanada)
3. Sankhya – Dualism: Soul (Purusha) & Nature (Prakriti) (by Kapila)
4. Yoga – Self-control, meditation for liberation (by Patanjali)
5. Mimamsa – Rituals & Vedas (by Jaimini)
6. Vedanta – Soul & Brahman (God) (by Vyasa)
(Q4) Nyaya Darshana (Logic School)
Focus: Logic + Knowledge (Epistemology)
4 Valid sources of knowledge (Pramana):
1. Pratyaksha – Perception
2. Anumana – Inference
3. Upamana – Comparison
4. Shabda – Testimony (words of reliable people)
Also includes:
o Debate methods
o Ethics & reality study
o Aims for moksha through true knowledge
(Q5) 16 Padarthas (Key Concepts in Nyaya)
1. Pramana – Tools to gain knowledge
2. Prameya – Objects of knowledge
3. Samsaya – Doubt
4. Prayojana – Purpose (like Moksha)
5. Drishtanta – Example
6. Siddhanta – Established conclusion
7. Avayava – Components (like parts of a bicycle)
8. Tarka – Logical reasoning
9. Nirnaya – Final decision
10. Vada – Healthy debate
11. Jalpa – Argument to win, not truth-seeking
12. Vitanda – Only criticizing others
13. Hetvabhasa – Logical fallacy (false reasoning)
14. Chala – Wordplay/confusing terms
15. Jati – Wrong generalization
16. Nigrahasthana – When an argument is defeated
(Q6) Pañcāvayava Prakriyā (5-Part Logic Method)
Used to prove something logically:
1. Pratijna – Statement (e.g., Mountain is on fire)
2. Hetu – Reason (Because there’s smoke)
3. Udaharana – Example (Where there's smoke, there's fire – like kitchen)
4. Upanaya – Apply example (Same on mountain)
5. Nigamana – Conclusion (So, mountain is on fire)
Unit 2: Human Value in Vedic Darshana to help you remember quickly for your
exam. It's designed like revision notes:
(Q1) Introduction to Vaiśeṣika Darśana
Founded by Kaṇāda
Focus: Metaphysics (reality) and Epistemology (knowledge)
Belief: Universe is made of atoms
Key concepts:
o Dravya (Substances) – Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Ether, Time, Space
o Guṇa (Qualities) – Color, taste, smell, touch, sound
o Karma (Action) – How substances interact/change
o Sāmānya – Generality (shared traits)
o Viśeṣa – Particularity (unique traits)
o Ātman – Eternal soul
o Pramāṇa – Valid sources of knowledge (perception, inference, etc.)
o Mokṣa – Liberation through self-knowledge
(Q2) Dharma (धर्म )
Means moral duties, ethical living, and universal order.
Types:
o Moral values (honesty, compassion)
o Universal balance (cosmic order)
o Religious/spiritual actions (rituals, prayers)
o Justice & righteousness (right actions even during adversity)
(Q3) Abhyudaya (अभ्युदय) – Material well-being
One of the Purusharthas (goals of life)
About wealth, comfort, and worldly success
Should be achieved ethically, in line with dharma
(Q4) Niḥśreyasa (न िःश्रेयस) – Supreme Good
Highest goal of life
Means liberation, enlightenment, self-realization
Opposite of temporary pleasure (Preya)
Achieved by meditation, wisdom, devotion, self-inquiry
(Q5) 6 Padārthas (Categories of Reality)
1. Dravya – Substance (foundation of reality)
2. Guṇa – Quality (taste, color, etc.)
3. Karma – Action (motion, interaction)
4. Sāmānya – Generality (common traits)
5. Viśeṣa – Particularity (unique identity)
6. Samavāya – Inherence (bond between substance and quality)
(Q6) Nitya – Anitya
Nitya = Eternal (soul, Brahman, values)
Anitya = Temporary (body, pleasures, material things)
Message: Focus more on lasting truths, not temporary gains
(Q7) Relationships
Types: Family, romantic, friends, professional, social, online
Need trust, empathy, communication, shared values
Are important for growth, happiness, and connection
(Q8) Relationships: Cause–Effect
Shared values → stronger bond
Trust → deeper connection
Communication → conflict resolution
Emotional support → stronger relationship
Respect & time → long-lasting connection
(Q9) Dṛṣṭa – Adṛṣṭa Karma Phala
Dṛṣṭa = Visible result (e.g., studying → good marks)
Adṛṣṭa = Invisible result (good karma → future benefit)
All actions have consequences – seen or unseen
(Q10) Mindful Dāna (Giving)
Give with:
o Compassion (karuṇā)
o Wisdom (prajñā)
o No attachment (aparigraha)
Examples: Giving food, charity, emotional support
Benefits both giver and receiver spiritually
(Q11) Śucitā – Aśucitā (Purity – Impurity)
Śucitā = Clean body + pure mind (truth, compassion)
Aśucitā = Physical dirt + mental impurity (jealousy, hatred)
Purity helps in spiritual growth and peace
(Q12) Rāga – Dveśa (Attachment – Aversion)
Rāga = Attraction to pleasure
Dveśa = Hatred/avoidance of pain
Cause of suffering; driven by ego, desire, ignorance
Solution: Awareness, mindfulness, detachment
(Q13) Avidyā (Ignorance)
Not knowing the true Self
Creates illusion, separation, and suffering
Remove through:
o Study scriptures
o Self-inquiry (Who am I?)
o Meditation, Guru guidance
o Bhakti (devotion)
(Q14) Sukha – Duḥkha
Sukha = Happiness, comfort
Duḥkha = Suffering, pain
Both are temporary
Learn to stay balanced and detach from both for inner peace
Unit 3: Human Values in Vedic Darshana, designed for easy last-minute revision
before your exam:
(Q1) Sāṃkhya Darśana
Founded by Kapila Muni.
Dualistic philosophy: Two eternal realities:
o Puruṣa – Pure Consciousness (soul)
o Prakṛti – Nature/matter (with 3 guṇas):
Sattva – purity, balance
Rajas – action, restlessness
Tamas – ignorance, darkness
Goal: Achieve Kaivalya (liberation) by realizing the separation between
Puruṣa and Prakṛti.
Path: Jñāna (knowledge), Vairāgya (detachment), Dharma (ethics)
(Q2) Nature of Puruṣa & Prakṛti
Puruṣa:
o Pure, passive, eternal observer (soul)
o Immutable, self-aware, not involved in action
Prakṛti:
o Material cause of the universe
o Non-conscious, dynamic, consists of 3 guṇas
o Needs Puruṣa to activate creation
(Q3) 24 Tattvas (Elements of Prakṛti)
1. Prakṛti
2. Mahat (Buddhi)
3. Ahamkāra (Ego)
4. Manas (Mind)
5-9. 5 Jñānendriyas (senses: ear, skin, eyes, tongue, nose)
10-14. 5 Karmendriyas (organs: speech, hands, feet, anus, genitals)
15-19. 5 Tanmātras (subtle elements: sound, touch, form, taste, smell)
20-24. 5 Mahābhūtas (gross elements: ether, air, fire, water, earth)
(Q4) Bondage and Liberation
Bondage = ignorance (avidyā), ego, desires → leads to samsāra (birth-death
cycle)
Liberation (Mokṣa) = Realization of true Self (Atman/Puruṣa) and
detachment from matter (Prakṛti)
(Q5) Satkāryavāda (Effect pre-exists in cause)
Effect (kārya) already exists in a hidden form in the cause (kāraṇa)
Opposes Asatkāryavāda (new effect)
Example: Tree exists in seed potentially
Supported by Sāṃkhya and Vedanta
(Q6) Yoga Darśana (Patanjali’s System)
8 Limbs (Aṣṭāṅga Yoga):
1. Yama – Ethical rules (ahimsa, satya, asteya, brahmacharya, aparigraha)
2. Niyama – Personal discipline (śaucha, santoṣa, tapas, svādhyāya, īśvara-
praṇidhāna)
3. Āsana – Postures
4. Prāṇāyāma – Breath control
5. Pratyāhāra – Withdrawal of senses
6. Dhāraṇā – Concentration
7. Dhyāna – Meditation
8. Samādhi – Absorption, union with the Self
(Q7) 5 Kleśas (Afflictions)
1. Avidyā – Ignorance
2. Asmitā – Ego
3. Rāga – Attachment
4. Dveṣa – Hatred
5. Abhiniveśa – Fear of death
(Q8) 5 Vṛttis (Mind Modifications)
1. Pramāṇa – Correct knowledge
2. Viparyaya – Misconception
3. Vikalpa – Imagination
4. Nidrā – Sleep
5. Smṛti – Memory
Goal of Yoga: Nirodha of Vṛttis – Control these fluctuations to reach samādhi
(Q9) Maitrī, Karuṇā, Muditā, Upekṣā (Four attitudes)
Maitrī – Friendliness
Karuṇā – Compassion
Muditā – Joy for others
Upekṣā – Equanimity (calmness in ups and downs)
(Q10) Kriyā Yoga (3 Pillars)
1. Tapa – Discipline
2. Svādhyāya – Self-study
3. Īśvara praṇidhāna – Devotion/surrender to God
(Q11) Samādhi (Stages)
1. Savitarka – Initial focus
2. Nirvitarka – Without distraction
3. Savichāra – Reflective
4. Nirvichāra – Thoughtless calm
5. Sānanda – Blissful
6. Nirbīja – Seedless (highest)
(Q12) Saṃyama = Dhāraṇā + Dhyāna + Samādhi
Types:
o External (object-focused)
o Internal (mind, emotions)
o Conceptual (abstract ideas)
o Time-based
(Q13) Vivekakhyāti & Prajñā
Vivekakhyāti – Discrimination between Self & non-Self
Prajñā – Wisdom or inner knowing
Vedānta Darśana (Non-dualism)
Based on Upanishads
Brahman – Supreme, infinite reality
o Nirguṇa (formless)
o Saguṇa (with form – Ishvara)
Atman = Brahman (Advaita)
Maya = illusion (hides truth)
(Q14) Pancha Kosha (5 Layers of Self)
1. Annamaya – Physical body
2. Prāṇamaya – Life energy
3. Manomaya – Mind/emotions
4. Vijñānamaya – Wisdom/intellect
5. Ānandamaya – Bliss/joy layer
(Q15) Four Sādhanas (Sādhana Chatuṣṭaya)
1. Viveka – Discrimination (real/unreal)
2. Vairāgya – Detachment
3. Shat Sampatti – 6 Virtues:
o Sama, Dama, Uparati, Titikṣa, Śraddhā, Samādhāna
4. Mumukṣutva – Intense desire for liberation
Unit 4: Human Values in Vedic Darshana, so you can revise easily for your
exam:
(Q1) Upanishads & Vedanta Darshana
Upanishads: Final part of Vedas (800–200 BCE)
o Focus on Brahman (Supreme Reality) and Atman (Soul)
o Reject rituals; promote knowledge (Jnana), meditation, ethics
o Teach Moksha = liberation from the illusion of the world (Maya)
Vedanta Darshana: Based on Upanishads
o Advaita (Shankaracharya) – Non-dual: Atman = Brahman
o Vishishtadvaita (Ramanuja) – Qualified non-dual: Soul & world
depend on Brahman
o Dvaita (Madhva) – Dualism: Soul ≠ Brahman
(Q2) Īśopaniṣad – Renouncement (Tyāga)
Let go of desires, ego, attachments
Renounce inwardly, not necessarily physical withdrawal
True renouncement = self-realization, inner peace, and spiritual freedom
(Q3) Karma Yoga (Bhagavad Gita Teachings)
Nishkama Karma: Do your duty without expecting results
Detachment from outcomes
Serve others with love = path to purification & liberation
Gita 2.47: "You have the right to work, but not to the fruits of work."
(Q4) Balance of Vidyā-Avidyā & Prakṛti-Vikṛti
Vidyā = Spiritual knowledge → leads to Moksha
Avidyā = Ignorance → leads to suffering
Prakṛti = Nature (harmony)
Vikṛti = Modification/distortion (imbalance)
Balance leads to peace, self-realization, and respect for nature
(Q5) Taittirīya Upaniṣad – Names of God & Meanings
Brahman – Supreme Reality
Sat – Existence
Chit – Consciousness
Ānanda – Bliss
Om (Praṇava) – Cosmic sound
Vāyu – Life force
Ātman – Inner self
Hṛdaya – Heart (spiritual center)
Jyotih – Light (wisdom)
(Q6) Guru’s Final Advice (Śikṣāvallī Message)
Be humble, ethical, kind
Distinguish truth from illusion
Help others, stay strong in difficulties
Keep learning; aim for self-realization
Use knowledge to make the world better
(Q7) Nature of Mukti (Liberation)
Freedom from suffering, rebirth (Samsara)
Realize true self = Atman = Brahman
No more desires, ego, or ignorance
Achieved through:
o Self-inquiry, meditation
o Guru’s guidance
o Detachment, devotion, virtues
(Q8) Antahkarana-Shuddhi (Purification of Mind)
4 parts of mind (Antahkarana):
1. Manas – Mind/emotions → purified through meditation
2. Buddhi – Intellect → purified by studying scriptures
3. Chitta – Memory → purified through self-awareness, letting go
4. Ahaṅkāra – Ego → purified by humility, surrender to God
Goal: Clean inner self → achieve peace, clarity, and liberation
Unit 5: Human Values in Vedic Darshan for easy memorization and exam
preparation:
1. Six Darshanas (Philosophical Schools) & Their Authors
Darshana Author Focus Area
Nyaya Gautama Rishi Logic, reasoning
Vaisheshika Kanada Rishi Atomic theory, metaphysics
Samkhya Kapila Muni Dualism (Purusha-Prakriti)
Yoga Patanjali Mind control, meditation
Purva Mimamsa Jaimini Rituals, Vedic interpretation
Uttara Mimamsa (Vedanta) Vyasa Ultimate reality (Brahman)
2. Key Concepts of Vaisheshika Darshana
7 Padarthas (Categories): Substance, Quality, Action, Generality,
Particularity, Inherence, Non-existence.
9 Dravyas (Substances): Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Ether, Time, Space, Soul
(Atman), Mind (Manas).
Theory of Atoms (Paramanu): Indivisible particles form all matter.
3. Yoga Darshana: Mind & Suffering
Gunas of Mind
1. Sattva: Clarity, peace.
2. Rajas: Activity, desire.
3. Tamas: Laziness, ignorance.
Goal: Increase Sattva, reduce Rajas/Tamas.
5 States of Mind (Pancha Vrittis)
1. Pramana (Correct knowledge).
2. Viparyaya (Misconception).
3. Vikalpa (Imagination).
4. Nidra (Sleep).
5. Smriti (Memory).
5 Kleshas (Afflictions)
1. Avidya (Ignorance)
2. Asmita (Ego)
3. Raga (Attachment)
4. Dvesha (Aversion)
5. Abhinivesha (Fear of death)
4. Vedic Social Systems
Varna System
Varna Role
Brahmin Priests, teachers
Kshatriya Warriors, rulers
Vaishya Farmers, merchants
Shudra Laborers, service
Originally based on aptitude, later hereditary.
Ashrama System (Life Stages)
1. Brahmacharya: Student (learning).
2. Grihastha: Householder (family/work).
3. Vanaprastha: Retirement (reflection).
4. Sannyasa: Renunciation (spiritual focus).
5. 16 Sanskaras (Life Rituals)
1. Garbhadhana (Conception)
2. Pumsavana (Fetus protection)
3. Simantomayana (Hair-parting)
4. Jatakarma (Birth)
5. Namakarana (Naming)
... up to Antyeshti (Death rites).
Purpose: Sanctify life milestones.
6. Pancha Mahayajna (5 Great Duties)
1. Deva Yajna: Worship deities.
2. Pitri Yajna: Honor ancestors.
3. Bhuta Yajna: Serve nature/animals.
4. Manusya Yajna: Help humanity.
5. Brahma Yajna: Pursue knowledge.
7. Purpose of Human Life (Vedic View)
Goal: Self-realization, liberation (Moksha).
Path:
1. Self-discipline (Yama/Niyama).
2. Study scriptures (Vedas, Upanishads).
3. Meditation, yoga.
4. Selfless service (Seva).
8. Human Values in Vedic Tradition
Core Values: Truth, non-violence, compassion, humility.
Outcome: Harmonious society, ecological balance, cultural preservation.
