🧠 Indian Philosophical Schools – Key Scholars
| School | Type | Key Scholars | Core Teachings / Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nyaya | Astika | Gautama (Akshapada) | Logic, inference, epistemology |
| Vaisheshika | Astika | Kanada | Atomism, categories (Padarthas) |
| Samkhya | Astika | Kapila | Dualism (Purusha-Prakriti), enumeration philosophy |
| Yoga | Astika | Patanjali | Eight-limbed path, mental discipline |
| Purva Mimamsa | Astika | Jaimini | Rituals, Dharma via Vedas |
| Vedanta (Uttara Mimamsa) | Astika | Badarayana (Brahmasutra); Shankaracharya (Advaita), Ramanujacharya (Vishishtadvaita), Madhvacharya (Dvaita) | Nature of Brahman, liberation |
🕉️ Other Hindu Schools & Reformers
| School/Tradition | Key Reformers/Philosophers | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Bhakti Movement | Ramanuja, Kabir, Tulsidas, Meera Bai | Devotion over ritual |
| Shaiva Siddhanta | Tirumular, Appar, Manikkavachakar | Tamil Shaivism |
| Sri Vaishnavism | Nathamuni, Yamunacharya, Ramanuja | Vishnu as supreme, Bhakti & Prapatti |
☸️ Buddhist Schools
| School | Key Scholars | Key Concepts |
|---|---|---|
| Theravada | Buddhaghosa | Eldest school, Pali Canon |
| Mahayana | Nagarjuna, Aryadeva | Sunyata (emptiness), Bodhisattva ideal |
| Yogachara | Asanga, Dignaga, Vasubandhu | Consciousness-only, epistemology |
| Madhyamaka | Nagarjuna, Aryadeva | Middle path, emptiness |
🕊️ Jaina Schools
| Sect | Key Scholars | Doctrines |
|---|---|---|
| Digambara | Kundakunda, Umaswati (Umasvami) | Asceticism, no clothes |
| Svetambara | Haribhadra, Hemachandra | White-clad monks, scriptural focus |