Indian Philosophy as a Knowledge Graph

Core Nodes (Foundational Concepts)

1. Brahman (Ultimate Reality)

   Table Of Content

   • Indian Philosophy as a Knowledge Graph
   • Core Nodes (Foundational Concepts)
   • Primary Philosophical Schools as Interconnected Nodes
   • Conceptual Connections
   • Key Pathways between Schools
   • Moksha Pathways and Techniques
   • Knowledge Graph Representation of Indian Philosophy
   • Final Connections and Modern Relevance
   • Conclusion
   • Related Posts
   • Represents the absolute reality, the source of all creation.
   • All schools, whether orthodox or heterodox, interact with this idea.
   • Connection: Brahman is the ultimate aim in Vedanta and is often described as formless, eternal, and all-pervading.

2. Atman (Individual Soul)

   • Represents the essence of an individual.
   • In Vedanta, it is considered identical with Brahman.
   • Connection: The realization of the true nature of Atman (self-realization) leads to Moksha (liberation).

3. Maya (Illusion)

   • The concept that the material world is an illusion.
   • Connection: In Advaita Vedanta, Maya is the veil that hides the truth of Brahman. It is also discussed in Buddhism and Tantra, but the approaches vary.

4. Karma (Action and its Consequences)

   • Refers to the moral law of cause and effect.
   • Connection: Karma governs not only the material world but also the spiritual evolution of an individual. This concept is central to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.

5. Moksha (Liberation)

   • The ultimate goal of human life in most Indian philosophies—liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth.
   • Connection: Moksha is the aim of all paths (Yoga, Bhakti, Jnana) in different schools.

Primary Philosophical Schools as Interconnected Nodes

1. Astika (Orthodox)

   • Accepts the Vedas as authoritative texts.
   • Sub-schools:
     • Vedanta (focused on realization of Brahman and Moksha)
     • Yoga (focused on discipline, self-realization through meditation)
     • Samkhya (focuses on the dualism between matter and consciousness)
     • Nyaya (logical reasoning and epistemology)
     • Vaisheshika (atomism and natural science)
     • Mimamsa (rituals and Dharma)

2. Nastika (Heterodox)

   • Rejects the Vedas as a source of authority.
   • Sub-schools:
     • Buddhism (focus on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path)
     • Jainism (emphasis on Ahimsa and the liberation of the soul)
     • Charvaka (materialism and hedonism)

Conceptual Connections

Key Pathways between Schools

• Vedanta & Yoga:

  • Vedanta offers a philosophical framework for understanding the ultimate truth, Brahman. Yoga provides the practical means (such as meditation and discipline) to realize this truth in daily life.
  • Connection: Jnana Yoga in Yoga is directly related to Vedanta’s teachings on self-realization.

• Buddhism & Jainism:

  • Both focus on non-violence (Ahimsa) and liberation from suffering, but differ in their views of the soul and the nature of reality.
  • Connection: Buddhism’s focus on the Middle Path and Jainism’s strict non-violence and asceticism align in their ultimate goal of Moksha.

• Samkhya & Yoga:

  • Samkhya offers a metaphysical framework that divides reality into Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (material). Yoga uses this dualism and provides practices to control the mind and body to realize this separation.
  • Connection: Yoga and Samkhya are often studied together, as Yoga is the practical discipline based on Samkhya’s philosophical framework.

Moksha Pathways and Techniques

• Karma Yoga (Action):

  • Emphasizes performing selfless actions without attachment to results, leading to liberation through righteous action.
  • Connection: Karma in both Hinduism and Buddhism teaches the importance of ethical living.

• Bhakti Yoga (Devotion):

  • Centers on devotion to a personal god, cultivating love and surrender to the divine as the path to liberation.
  • Connection: Bhakti is a direct path for those who connect with the divine through love and devotion, as opposed to intellectual knowledge.

• Jnana Yoga (Knowledge):

  • Focuses on self-inquiry and wisdom, particularly in realizing the non-duality of the self (Atman) and the supreme reality (Brahman).
  • Connection: Jnana Yoga is closely tied to the Vedanta tradition, which emphasizes knowledge of the self as a means to liberation.

• Tantra (Esoteric Practices):

  • Involves complex rituals, mantras, and visualization practices that aim to harmonize the individual with the universe.
  • Connection: Tantra emphasizes the integration of the material and spiritual realms and uses practices that bridge the gap between mundane life and higher spiritual realities.

Knowledge Graph Representation of Indian Philosophy

            +-----------------+---------------------+----------------+
            |                 |                     |                |
    +----------------+   +-------------------+  +-------------------+
    |    Vedanta     |<->|    Yoga           |  |   Samkhya          |
    |  (Brahman, Atman|   | (Meditation, Self-  |  | (Dualism, Purusha, |
    |   Moksha)      |   | realization)       |  |  Prakriti)         |
    +----------------+   +-------------------+  +-------------------+
             |                 |                        |
    +-----------------+    +-------------------+  +-------------------+
    |    Karma Yoga   |    |   Jnana Yoga      |  |   Bhakti Yoga      |
    | (Selfless Action)|    |   (Wisdom, Inquiry)|  |  (Devotion, Love)  |
    +-----------------+    +-------------------+  +-------------------+
              |                     |
    +----------------+       +----------------+
    |   Tantra       |<------>|   Moksha      |
    | (Esoteric Practices)|  | (Liberation)  |
    +----------------+       +----------------+

Final Connections and Modern Relevance

The key philosophical concepts—Brahman, Atman, Moksha, Karma, Dharma, and Maya—form an interconnected system, where each node leads to the other, creating a holistic framework for understanding the universe and the individual.

• Ethics & AI:
  The principles of Ahimsa (non-violence) and Satya (truth) from Jainism and Yoga can guide ethical practices in artificial intelligence, ensuring fairness and compassion in machine learning models.

• Personal Development:
  Karma Yoga (selfless action) and Bhakti Yoga (devotion) can guide modern individuals in personal development, helping one navigate challenges in both the material and spiritual realms.

• Sustainability:
  Indian philosophies emphasize living in harmony with nature. Concepts like Aparigraha (non-possession) and Ahimsa advocate for a minimalist, eco-friendly lifestyle, which resonates with modern sustainability movements.

Conclusion

Indian philosophy presents an intricate web of knowledge, with each school and concept interwoven to form a holistic vision of reality. By understanding these interconnections, one can gain profound insights into life’s purpose, ethical living, and self-realization. This knowledge is not just academic; it holds practical value in the modern world, helping individuals and society navigate the complexities of life, ethics, technology, and sustainability.

This deep dive reveals the universal nature of Indian philosophy—its wisdom transcends time and space, remaining ever-relevant in today’s world.

Let me know if you need any further clarifications or additions to this framework!