Darshans represent the schools of Indian philosophy. These schools provide the basic distinctions in Indian philosophical thought and are essential for the study of the
Vedas. The Darshans, six in all, elaborate on complex philosophical issues related to God, soul, birth and death.
The Nyaya school of Gautama, teaches the necessity of right thinking and right knowledge in realizing God. The
Sankhya school popularized by
Kapila instructs on the indestructibility of matter and soul. Denying the existence of God, it views every creation as a combination of matter and soul. Patanjali's Yoga school, believes in the existence of God, soul and matter. It emphasizes self-control and yoga as the way to mukti (salvation). Vaisheshka school of Kanad considers the whole world to be made up of indestructible atoms. This school also denies the existence of God. Purva Mimamsa is the branch propounded by the scholar Jamini. It discusses the religious customs and sacrifices of the Aryan race which leads to salvation, and gives importance to the theory of karma (duty).
Veda Vyasa's Uttara Mimamsa believes in the existence of God and stresses His worship. God is real and matter, unreal.
