Samkhya

Purusha-Pakriti

Evolution in Samkhya

3 Pramana Epistemology Samkhya Yoga Hindu schools

Siddhasana

Samkhya or Sankhya (Sanskrit: सांख्य) is one of the six Āstika schools of Hindu philosophy. It is often regarded as the oldest philosophical system in Hindu tradition, with its origins attributed to the sage Kapila. Samkhya is a dualistic philosophy that postulates two eternal realities: Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter). It is considered a theoretical foundation for the practice of Yoga, as it provides the metaphysical underpinning for the liberation (Moksha) of the soul from the cycles of rebirth (Samsara).

Philosophy

Samkhya philosophy divides the universe into two eternal realities: Purusha and Prakriti. Purusha is the principle of pure consciousness, unchanging and beyond the reach of pain and pleasure. Prakriti, in contrast, is the principle of matter, changeable and the cause of physical existence. Samkhya posits that the interaction between Purusha and Prakriti is the cause of the universe and all its phenomena.

The system outlines 25 principles (Tattvas) that emanate from Prakriti, including the Mahat or the great principle, the Ahamkara or ego, and the Manas or mind, along with the five Tanmatras (subtle elements), the five Mahabhutas (gross elements), and the ten Indriyas (senses). Liberation is achieved through the realization of the difference between Purusha and Prakriti, leading to the disentanglement of consciousness from materiality.

Historical Development

The origins of Samkhya are traditionally attributed to the sage Kapila, though the historical details of his life are scarce. The earliest texts related to Samkhya philosophy are found in the Upanishads, with the Samkhya Karika by Ishvarakrishna (circa 3rd century CE) being the oldest surviving explicit treatise on Samkhya philosophy. The Bhagavad Gita and the Mahabharata also contain chapters that are influenced by Samkhya thought.

Influence

Samkhya's dualistic framework has had a profound influence on other schools of Hindu philosophy, particularly Yoga, which adopts its metaphysical schema. It has also influenced Buddhism and Jainism to some extent. The concepts of Purusha and Prakriti have been interpreted and reinterpreted in various philosophical and religious contexts throughout Indian history.

Criticism and Comparison

Samkhya's dualism has been subject to criticism, particularly from the non-dualistic school of Advaita Vedanta, which argues for the ultimate reality of Brahman and the illusory nature of the distinction between consciousness and matter. Despite these criticisms, Samkhya remains an important part of the Indian philosophical tradition, offering a unique perspective on the nature of reality and the path to liberation.

See Also

• Hindu philosophy
• Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
• Indian epistemology
• Dharma