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Students should pay attention to the fact of gradual development of
Indian philosophy systems. There is a direct link to Indian schools,
which appeared simultaneously and continuously, as they were related to

the life and teachings of their actual followers. The reason for this was
that Indian philosophy was an integral part of life. Therefore it should be
noted that the schools mutually criticize each other, influence the

development of philosophical literature and serve as their own best
critic.

Lecture 4. The place and role of ancient Indian philosophical

thought in the development of the world philosophy

1. Yoga system.
2. Significance of ancient Indian philosophy.

One of the most common and universal systems founded by the
wise man Pantadzhali called yoga is of a special interest. Yoga means

ceasing all the functions of mind - chitty, achieved by five levels. A
special place in this system is given to yoga practice, which is divided
into eight stages: yama (subdual), niyama (culture of ethics), asana

(position), pranayama (breathing control), pratiahara (feelings of
estrangement), dharana (attention), dkhiana (contemplation), and
(concentration). Teistical nature of yoga, should be noted because God

stands for the eternal, perfect, omnipotent, absolutely free creature. The
combination of purushi and praktyri forms the basis for the constant
evolution of the world. The main goal of philosophical wisdom is the
combination of individual souls with moral values.

To properly understand the place, role and significance of ancient
Indian philosophy one should consider the fact that Indian philosophy is
a combination of all theories of Indian thinkers - Hindu and not Hindu,

theist and atheist. Principal role of ancient Indian philosophy was based
on studying the inner world of a man, besides its functionality was not-
based on accepting the thoughts without activities, that is there existed
regulatory practice for human activities in everyday life and society. In

the West, a big impact was made by all religious and philosophical
concepts of India, particularly the idea of Indian mysticism and
rationalized methods of yoga. Upanishads are known worldwide as deep

philosophical and cultural monuments, which affect the intellectual
potential of hundreds of generations.

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