Philosophical Concepts (दार्शनिक तत्त्व)
The core metaphysical, ethical, and spiritual concepts that frame reality, duty, consciousness, and liberation across the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy.
Dharma
धर्म (Dharma)
“What is the foundational principle that sustains life, order, and righteous conduct?”
Dharma derives from the Sanskrit root "dhṛ" meaning to uphold, maintain, or sustain. It is the cosmic moral law, righteousness, duty, and spiritual order that upholds the entire universe and individual existence.
Karma
कर्म (Karma)
“How do intentional actions shape our destiny, character, and spiritual evolution?”
Karma literally means "action", "deed", or "work". Philosophically, it refers to the universal law of ethical causality: every deliberate action creates an imprint (samskara) that bears commensurate fruit (phala) in this life or future lives.
Moksha
मोक्ष (Mokṣa)
“What is the ultimate human aspiration and the nature of absolute spiritual freedom?”
Moksha signifies liberation, release, and freedom from the cycle of birth and death (Samsara), ignorance (Avidya), and all suffering, resulting in the realization of supreme peace and oneness.
Atman
आत्मन् (Ātman)
“Who am I beyond the physical body, emotional fluctuations, and intellectual ideas?”
Atman is the true Self, the inner witness (Sakshi), pure immortal consciousness that is eternal, unchanging, and distinct from the physical body, vital breaths, and fleeting thoughts.