Idealism in India

Idealism in India refers to a philosophical school of thought that emphasises the importance of the mind or consciousness in shaping the material world. It is a philosophical approach that asserts that the world we experience is a product of our mind and that reality depends on our thoughts, perceptions, and beliefs.

The roots of idealism in India can be traced back to ancient Indian texts such as the Vedas and Upanishads. The concept of Maya, which refers to the illusory nature of the world, is central to Indian philosophy and is a core component of idealism.

According to idealism, the material world is not an objective reality but a subjective experience created by the mind. It means that the world we perceive is not an accurate representation of the external world but rather a projection of our consciousness.

Idealism in India is closely associated with the school of Vedanta, which emphasises the unity of all things and the idea that the universe is ultimately an expression of the divine. The Vedanta also teaches that the individual soul (Atman) is not separate from the divine (Brahman) but rather a manifestation of it.

Idealism in India also emphasises the importance of spiritual practice and the attainment of self-realisation. The goal of spiritual practice is to transcend the ego’s limitations and realise the true nature of the self as infinite and eternal consciousness.

The concept of karma is also closely linked to idealism in India. Karma refers to the law of cause and effect, which states that every action has a corresponding consequence. According to idealism, our thoughts and actions shape our reality and influence our future experiences.

Idealism in India has had a significant impact on Indian culture and society. It has influenced the development of art, literature, and music, as well as the practice of yoga and meditation. The teachings of idealism have also played a role in social and political movements, such as the Indian independence movement led by Mahatma Gandhi.

One of the key figures in the development of idealism in India was Shankara, an 8th-century philosopher and theologian. Shankara’s teachings emphasised the importance of knowledge and the attainment of self-realisation through the practice of meditation and contemplation.

Another influential figure in the development of idealism in India was Rabindranath Tagore, a poet, philosopher, and Nobel laureate. Tagore’s writings emphasised the importance of intuition, creativity, and imagination in shaping our understanding of the world.

In conclusion, idealism in India is a philosophical school of thought that emphasises the importance of the mind in shaping our experience of the world. It has its roots in ancient Indian texts such as the Vedas and Upanishads and is closely associated with the school of Vedanta. Idealism in India has had a significant impact on Indian culture and society, and its teachings continue to inspire people around the world.

Dr Sr. Saroj A.C.

Asst. Professor,

Department of Education,

PWC

saroj.edu@patnawomenscollege.in