Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s7.t9.1

v1.c7.s7.t9.1

Six orthodox (*astika*) schools (*Liupaizhexue*) refer to six main schools in the Brahmanic philosophy of ancient India, eg *Samkhya*, *saamkhya-yoga*, *Vaisesika*, *Nyaya*, *Mimamsa* and *Vedanta*. They respected the authority of *Veda* which is regarded as a holy document by Brahmanism and Hinduism. The origin of thought has a long history in ancient time. They have been developed from some thoughts in *Vedas* and *Upanishads*. They have many believers in later generations, and usually take the main position in the thought circle. Therefore, they are regarded as the orthodox schools of ancient India philosophy.