The basic principle of Hinduism is the belief in one supreme being who is without forms or attributes, worshipped in any one of several of His forms of manifestations. They believe that God accepts every one's prayer to every form they worship. They believe in nonviolence or Ahimsa, in vegetarian food habits, and in compassion to all lives. They believe in Divine duty or Dharma and activity without attachment or Karma yoga and the need for a devotion and surrender to God or Bhakthi. They believe in the indestructibility of the soul, cycle of rebirth and the ultimate liberation of the Soul or Moksha. The basic philosophies are given in the various Upanishad portions of the Vedas. Ancient Sages wrote the six Dharsanas as explanatory texts for these Upanishads. Vaiseshika, Sankhya and Vedantha Dharsanas deal with theoretical aspect of the religious faith, prayers and the philosophy. Nyaya, Yoga and Poorva Mimamsa systems explain the practice of the faith with analysis, logic and pure rituals. They did not stress the importance of a concept of prayers to God.

Nyaya system by Rishi Gauthama is the science of debate, logic and discussion with reasoning and arguing. Vaiseshika by Rishi Kanada arranges its inquiries into categories such as substance, quality, action, property and nonexistence. They were the analytical Systems. Sankhya by Rishi Kapila is called a synthetical system starting from a primordial principle called prakrithi which evolves and brings forth everything, when it comes in contact with Purusha. The Yoga system by Sage Pathanjali is a supplement to Sankhya, laying emphasis on the practical side of self discipline and concentration. Poorva Mimamsa of Sage Jaimini lays stress on the Vedic rituals and sacrifices as the ultimate for the liberation and eternal happiness. They did not deny a God but just ignored His existence. Other Mimamsakas modified Sri Jaimini's theory later to introduce the concept of God in rituals. Utthira Mimamsa or Vedantha of Sage Vyasa or Krishna Dvaipanya explained the Hindu Philosophy.