The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha Or, Review of the Different Systems of Hindu Philosophy

"The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha" by Madhava is a detailed exploration of Hindu philosophy, probably from the 1300s. It gives a thorough look at different Hindu philosophical ideas, judging them from a Vedanta point of view. The book explains the different beliefs and debates of the time, highlighting what makes each system special while supporting Madhava’s own Vedantic ideas. It starts by introducing the author and previewing a step-by-step study of sixteen philosophical systems, starting with the Chárváka school, which Madhava shows as mainly materialistic and atheistic. He notes that it values sensory experience as the main way to gain knowledge, rejecting the idea of a soul or spiritual truths. This part shows the differences between Chárváka's pleasure-seeking view and other philosophical teachings, setting a critical tone for the rest of the book. The beginning also suggests Madhava's strong critical thinking and his goal of seriously engaging with these different philosophies, stressing how important it is to understand the philosophical scene of his time.