01:11 Mapping the universe 05:05 Buddha's revolutionary path to awakening 08:19 From philosophy to tools for spiritual transformation 11:17 The bridge between thought, awareness, and liberation 14:50 The living breath of Indian philosophy
Notes from Indian Philosophy by Sue Hamilton: Ancient Indian Philosophy Origins: - Began with Brahmin priests performing rituals to maintain cosmic order - Evolved from external ceremonies to internal spiritual exploration - Upanishads introduced concept of atman (self) sharing nature with Brahman (universal essence) Buddha's Impact: - Challenged traditional Brahmin approach around 485 BCE - Introduced Four Noble Truths and concept of dukkha (suffering/dissatisfaction) - Emphasized impermanence and interconnectedness - Created middle path between extreme practices and complex rituals Philosophical Developments: - Panini developed sophisticated grammar system - Nyaya school established five-step path to knowledge - Vaisheshika mapped seven building blocks of reality - Focus on practical spiritual transformation, not just theory Key Schools and Concepts: - Yoga: Mapped consciousness, developed techniques to still mind - Samkhya: Distinguished between pure awareness (purusha) and material world (prakriti) - Advaita Vedanta: Shankara taught non-dualism, unity of all reality - Qualified non-dualism: Ramanuja's middle path maintaining distinctions within unity Modern Impact: - Vivekananda introduced Indian philosophy to West in 1893 - Now studied academically and practiced traditionally - Offers insights into consciousness relevant to modern science - Maintains dual focus on intellectual understanding and spiritual transformation
01:11 Mapping the universe
05:05 Buddha's revolutionary path to awakening
08:19 From philosophy to tools for spiritual transformation
11:17 The bridge between thought, awareness, and liberation
14:50 The living breath of Indian philosophy
Notes from Indian Philosophy by Sue Hamilton:
Ancient Indian Philosophy Origins:
- Began with Brahmin priests performing rituals to maintain cosmic order
- Evolved from external ceremonies to internal spiritual exploration
- Upanishads introduced concept of atman (self) sharing nature with Brahman (universal essence)
Buddha's Impact:
- Challenged traditional Brahmin approach around 485 BCE
- Introduced Four Noble Truths and concept of dukkha (suffering/dissatisfaction)
- Emphasized impermanence and interconnectedness
- Created middle path between extreme practices and complex rituals
Philosophical Developments:
- Panini developed sophisticated grammar system
- Nyaya school established five-step path to knowledge
- Vaisheshika mapped seven building blocks of reality
- Focus on practical spiritual transformation, not just theory
Key Schools and Concepts:
- Yoga: Mapped consciousness, developed techniques to still mind
- Samkhya: Distinguished between pure awareness (purusha) and material world (prakriti)
- Advaita Vedanta: Shankara taught non-dualism, unity of all reality
- Qualified non-dualism: Ramanuja's middle path maintaining distinctions within unity
Modern Impact:
- Vivekananda introduced Indian philosophy to West in 1893
- Now studied academically and practiced traditionally
- Offers insights into consciousness relevant to modern science
- Maintains dual focus on intellectual understanding and spiritual transformation