Darshanas

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A term referring to philosophical schools of thought in Hinduism, each offering unique perspectives on reality and spirituality
2. An array of viewpoints in ancient Indian philosophy, focused on various aspects of existence and the nature of knowledge
3. Distinct interpretations within the broader tradition of Indian philosophy that explore metaphysical and ethical issues

Etymology: "Darshanas" is the plural of "darshana," a Sanskrit noun meaning "sight," "vision," or "view," derived from the verb root "dṛś," to see. The word moved from the act of seeing to the sense of a way of seeing the world, and from there to a standpoint or doctrine. In that later sense it names the schools of Indian philosophy, each offering its own account of reality, knowledge, and how a person should live. The plural form reflects that these schools were many and distinct. Each "darshana" was a viewpoint on the same questions, so the word, used in the plural, gathers those viewpoints together as a set.

Synonyms: philosophies, viewpoints