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BLOCK INTRODUCTION

Philosophy develops a fascination for wisdom which is different from knowledge. Philosophical
wisdom manifests in several ways – mainly theoretical and applied. The former is explanatory
while the latter is the combination of both theory and practice. Rational discussions emanate
mainly from four perspectives; metaphysical, epistemological, ethical and religious. Vedas or the
source of knowledge, is also referred to as the Sruti. The content of the Vedas that has come
down to us for centuries is said to have been heard by the sages in deep meditation and these
sages are therefore known as ‘mantra drastas’ or the ‘seer of the mantras’. The Upanisads reveal
the Absolute Truth, which provides the means to liberation and is popularly known as the
‘Vedanta.’ The Vedic Literature is vast with several branches and sections. The Upanisads
uniformly present the triple means to a seeker of truth, they are, shravana, manana and
nididhyasana. Mostly, the Upanishads are set in a dialogue between a teacher and a disciple and
the teaching is gradual and progressive. The epics, puranas and Bhagavat Gita are also
influential literatures as far as philosophical thoughts are concerned. The great Tamil classical,
Tirukkural is the comprehensive treatise on morality, polity and social integrity.

Unit 1 introduces to the students the basics of the concerns of the philosophy with its different
branches and the second part of the unit specifies the features of philosophy in relation to Indian
thought process from the ancient times onwards. Through this unit students would understand the
nature of philosophy in relation to its different branches and the characteristic features of Indian
philosophical systems.

Unit 2 presents the gamut of Vedic literature and briefly mentions its contents. It analyses its
portions, that is, the Samhitas, the Brahmanas, the Aranyakas and the Upanisads. Some basic
doctrines as found in the Vedas and in the Upanisads that continue to influence the modern
thought and paved way for a philosophical growth are detailed in the unit.

Unit 3 introduces to the students one of the greatest philosophical treatises of India from the
Tamil tradition. Tirukkural by Tiruvalluvar of Tamil sangam period is a classical text on
practical philosophy of life with its three division on aram (righteousness), porul (wealth), ibam
(happiness). The unit expounds the moral, social and political philosophy of Tirukkural.

Unit 4 gives a general outlook of the popular scriptures of Indian tradition namely the epics,
puranas and the Gita. The popularity of them is due to their narrative style with illustrations,
mythological stories and dialogical forms. They do contain high philosophical notions, but given
in a popular language. Philosophy of devotion is the focal point in these smrti literature.