The Euro-American belief in a fundamental separation between philosophy and religion is based on historical and cultural conditions that are unique to many other civilizations.
Western philosophical traditions are founded in Greek
thinking and culture, whilst Western religious traditions have been
predominantly molded by concepts from the Jewish tradition.
In Western civilization, ideas from these two diverse
origins coexisted, sometimes in an uncomfortable alliance, sometimes at
conflict, but they were always viewed as distinct.
This difference does not present in many other cultures,
making imported notions less useful when meeting these civilizations.
Critical and speculative thinking, which may be considered
philosophical, has a long history in Indian and Hindu culture.
However, such thinking is never done for its own sake, but
rather with a religious aim in mind—to help one achieve the ultimate religious
objective of complete soul emancipation (moksha).
Darshans, or distinct viewpoints on how to achieve this, are
commonly referred to as "philosophical schools." There are additional
six schools to consider.
