6 astika darshanas · 3 complementary pairs
षड्दर्शन
The 6 Darshanas — Schools of Hindu Philosophy
The shad-darshana are the six classical orthodox (astika — accepting the Veda) schools of Hindu philosophy. Each is a complete system with its own founder, root sutra text, accepted means of knowledge (pramanas), and characteristic definition of liberation. Tradition groups them into three complementary pairs: Nyaya–Vaisheshika (logic + atomism), Sankhya–Yoga (enumeration + discipline), and Purva Mimamsa–Vedanta (ritual + knowledge).
Why six, why pairs?
The pairing is not accidental. Nyaya supplies the logic that Vaisheshika applies to its atomistic ontology; Sankhya supplies the metaphysics that Yoga reduces to practice; Purva Mimamsa establishes the authority of the Vedic word, and Uttara Mimamsa (Vedanta) reads that same Veda for the knowledge of brahman. Together the six form a single integrated study — debate, ontology, cosmology, contemplation, ritual, knowledge.
Nyaya–Vaisheshika (Logic + Atomism)
Sankhya–Yoga (Enumeration + Discipline)
Sankhya
सांख्य
Founder: Maharshi Kapila
Root text: Sankhya Karika (of Ishvarakrishna)
Dualism of purusha + prakriti, 25 tattvas, 3 gunas
Yoga
योग
Founder: Maharshi Patanjali
Root text: Yoga Sutras
Ashtanga yoga + cittavritti nirodha