THE PROBLEM OF MAN IN ANCIENT INDIAN PHILOSOPHY
Abstract
The problem of man occupies one of the central places in ancient Indian philosophy. In the teachings of the Vedas, Upanishads, Buddhism, and Jainism, the essence of human beings, their spiritual and physical nature, as well as the meaning of life and the problem of liberation (moksha, nirvana) are deeply analyzed. In these philosophical views, a human being is interpreted not as a mere biological entity, but as a complex being endowed with spiritual consciousness and subject to the laws of karma and samsara. In the Upanishads, the true essence of human beings is explained through the idea of the unity between Atman and
Brahman. Buddhism, in turn, presents the concept of “anatta” (no-self), portraying human beings as a process devoid of a permanent “self.” Jainism regards the purification of the soul and liberation from karma as the primary goal.
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