The terms "orthodox" and "heterodox"

The terms "orthodox" and "heterodox"

The terms "orthodox" and "heterodox" are often used to describe various schools of thought within Indian philosophy.  Orthodox (Āstika) Schools:  These are the schools that accept the authority of the Vedas, the ancient sacred texts of Hinduism. They include: - Nyāya: Focuses on logic and epistemology. - Vaisheshika: Deals with metaphysics and natural philosophy. - Sāṃkhya: Emphasizes dualism between consciousness and matter. - Yoga: Concerned with the discipline of the mind and body to achieve spiritual insight. - Mīmāṃsā (Pūrva Mīmāṃsā): Concentrates on the ritualistic aspects of the Vedas. - Vedānta (Uttara Mīmāṃsā): Focuses on the philosophical teachings of the Upanishads¹. Heterodox (Nāstika) Schools:  These schools do not accept the authority of the Vedas and often challenge the orthodox schools. They include: - Buddhism: Teaches the path to enlightenment through understanding the nature of suffering and following the Eightfold Path. - Jainism: Emphasizes non-violence, t…