Shaddarshanasamuccaya

The Shaddarshanasamuccaya is a foundational text in Indian philosophy, specifically within the Advaita Vedanta tradition. Authored by Haribhadra Suri, a prominent Jain scholar, the work provides a comprehensive overview and critical analysis of six major orthodox Hindu philosophical systems, known as the Shaddarshanas. These are Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, and Vedanta.

Haribhadra Suri's approach is not merely descriptive; he engages in a critical examination of each darshana, highlighting their key tenets, arguments, and ontological positions. While the text is written from a Jain perspective, its detailed exposition of the Hindu schools makes it an invaluable resource for understanding the intellectual landscape of ancient India. The Shaddarshanasamuccaya aims to present these systems accurately before offering his own interpretations and critiques, often emphasizing the unity of ultimate reality as understood within Jainism. The work is known for its systematic presentation and its attempt to synthesize or reconcile differing philosophical viewpoints, though always from a distinct sectarian viewpoint. Its influence extends beyond Jainism, offering insights into the development and interaction of various philosophical schools that shaped Indian thought.