Darzana
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Darzana
Darśana (दर्शन) is a Sanskrit term that fundamentally means "seeing" or "vision," yet extends far beyond mere physical sight to encompass a complete worldview or creative framework for understanding reality—what the Germans would call a Weltanschauung. In its deepest sense, darśana represents a reciprocal perceptual covenant: the practitioner both sees and is seen by the sacred, establishing a dynamic, participatory relationship with divine consciousness that actively shapes knowledge and experience. As one of the six classical Hindu philosophical systems, each darśana provides not simply a set of beliefs, but a practical Comprehensive Framework—a distinctive lens through which the cosmos, self, and liberation can be apprehended, enacted, and ultimately transcended. This makes darśana both a spiritual technology and a living epistemology, where vision becomes the transformative medium through which reality is revealed, interpreted, engaged, and changed.
Concept Map
Syncretic Terms
Notes
The Sanskrit term दर्शन (IAST: Darśana; commonly transliterated as Darshana) is a multifaceted concept with rich meanings across religious, philosophical, and cultural contexts.
Etymology & Literal Meaning
Derived from the root दृश् (dṛś - "to see"), darśana fundamentally means:
- Seeing, viewing, looking at
- Sight, vision, appearance
- Observation, inspection (as in Ayurvedic examination)
The etymological definition is captured in the phrase: "दृश्यते अनेन इति दर्शनम्"—"that by which seeing is done" or "through which divine vision is obtained"
Religious Significance (Hinduism)
In devotional practice, darśana refers to the auspicious sight of the divine:
- The reciprocal act of seeing and being seen by a deity, sacred image, or holy person
- A transformative spiritual experience where the devotee receives divine blessings through visual communion
- Ritually enacted in temples when the curtain is removed from a deity's image, allowing devotees to receive the deity's gaze
Philosophical Systems
Darśana designates the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy, each representing a distinct "viewpoint" (darśana) on reality and liberation:
- Sāṃkhya
- Yoga
- Nyāya
- Vaiśeṣika
- Mīmāṃsā
- Vedānta
These are called āstika (orthodox) systems because they accept Vedic authority.
In Other Indian Traditions
- Buddhism: Refers to the "ground of seeing" (darśana-bhūmi), the first stage of spiritual attainment where one becomes a Srotaāpanna (stream-enterer)
- Jainism: Means "to see beautiful things" and represents both:
- One of 24 activities causing karmic influx
- The first stage (pratimā) for laypersons—right faith through understanding doctrine
Modern Usage
In contemporary Hindi and other Indian languages, darśan extends to mean:
- Meeting, audience, or visit (भेंट, मुलाकात)
- A philosophical doctrine or worldview
- Knowledge or realization (ज्ञान, बोध)
- Showing or revealing something
The term embodies a profound concept where seeing is not merely physical observation but a transformative act of knowing and connecting with the sacred.