Section 1: Ayurvedic Philosophy and History (NAMACB EXAM COMPTENCY)
 

Ṣad Darśana Mock Questions

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DARSANA MEANS PERSPECTIVE.  Sad Darsana is Six Perspectives 

 

• A single truth may be seen from many points of view 

• Each point of view is valid, but may focus on a single aspect 

• Apparently contradictory points of view can be harmonized into a 

•mature, rounded understanding of the whole 

• Multiple perspectives on reality were a recurring theme in 

•philosophical systems of ancient India. 

 

 

The six philosophies are: 

 

• Samkhya 

• Karma Mimamsa 

• Vasesika 

• Vedanta (also called Uttara Mimamsa) 

• Yoga 

• Nyaya 

 

The seers associated with founding or influencing these philosophies are: 

 

• Samkhya- Sage Kapila- Enumeration and Ayurveda 

• Karma Mimamsa-Sage Jaimini-Eternity of Vedas 

• Vasesika- Sage Kanada, Atomic minute theories 

• Vedanta-Sage Veda Vyasa (Badrinarayana)-Atma(Soul), Creation, Divine 

• Yoga -Patanjali- Yoga Philosophy 

• Nyaya-Sage Gautama-Logical Reasoning 

 

 

•Three of the six philosophical systems deal with analysis of matter  and action (säìkhya, karma-mémäàsa, vaiçeñika) 

•The other three attempt to differentiate between matter and spirit  (vedänta, yoga, nyäya) 

• An understanding of vedänta and nyäya is not essential to learning  Äyurveda, but these are very helpful for gaining a perspective on 

säìkhya 

• This is an analytical philosophical approach which is not for or  against any particular religious beliefs 

 

 

External Links for Review: 

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samkhya#Origins 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyaya 

http://veda.wikidot.com/shad-darshana 

 

 

MOCK QUESTIONS (NAMACB -Ayurveda Health Counselor Exam)-Topic- Six Darshanas

 

1. What is the meaning of darśana in the Indian philosophical context?
   
   A) Ritual worship
   B) A system of philosophy or worldview
   C) Meditation technique
   D) Sacred pilgrimage
   Correct: B
    

2. How many orthodox (āstika) darśanas are traditionally recognized in Indian philosophy?
   A) Four
   B) Five
   C) Six
   D) Nine
   Correct: C
    

3. Which of the following is the correct list of the six orthodox darśanas?
   A) Nyāya, Vaiśeṣika, Sāṃkhya, Yoga, Mīmāṃsā, Vedānta
   B) Nyāya, Vaiśeṣika, Sāṃkhya, Yoga, Jainism, Buddhism
   C) Sāṃkhya, Yoga, Mīmāṃsā, Vedānta, Lokāyata, Bauddha
   D) Nyāya, Jainism, Sāṃkhya, Mīmāṃsā, Advaita, Dvaita
   Correct: A
    

4. Match the darśana with its traditional founder/seer: Which option is completely correct?
   
   Darśana                            Seer/Founder
   A) Sāṃkhya                        i Gautama (Akṣapāda)
   B) Vaiśeṣika                       ii Kaṇāda
   C) Nyāya                           iii Kapila
   D) Yoga                              iv Veda Vyāsa
   E) Mīmāṃsā                      v Jaimini
   F) Vedānta                         vi Patañjali
   
   Correct: A-iii, D -vi, , F iv (rest correct order)
    

5. Which of the six orthodox darśanas has the strongest and most direct historical and theoretical connection with Āyurveda?
   A) Nyāya
   B) Vaiśeṣika
   C) Sāṃkhya
   D) Yoga
   Correct: C