Overview
Samkhya is a dualistic philosophy that teaches that the universe is composed of two fundamental principles: Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (nature or matter). Samkhya is significant for its analytical approach to understanding reality and the concept of liberation (Kaivalya) through knowledge.
Author(s)
Unknown
Authorship Date / Period
Uncertain, classical formulations around 1st millennium CE
Language
Sanskrit
Tradition
Samkhya
Text Type
Sutras (aphorisms)
Number of Sutras
526
Central Theme
Samkhya philosophy aims to achieve liberation (Kaivalya) by discriminating Purusha (consciousness) from Prakriti (matter), thereby ending suffering caused by their erroneous identification.
Structure
Consists of six books with 526 sutras.
Key Aspects
- Purusha: Purusha is the eternal, unchanging consciousness or soul. It is the true self, beyond the physical and mental states.
- Prakriti: Prakriti is the primal matter or nature that is responsible for the creation and evolution of the physical world. It consists of three gunas: sattva, rajas, and tamas.
- Gunas: undefined
Example Sutras
Sanskrit:
Prakriti purusha-yoho vibhaga
Translation:
The separation of Prakriti (matter) and Purusha (consciousness).
Commentary Insight:
This Sutra introduces the core concept of Samkhya philosophy: the distinction between Purusha, the eternal, passive consciousness, and Prakriti, the active, evolving material world.
Sanskrit:
Purusha-sattva-mati vishesha
Translation:
Purusha is distinct from the qualities of Prakriti, which include sattva (goodness), rajas (passion), and tamas (ignorance).
Commentary Insight:
While Prakriti has the three gunas (qualities), Purusha remains unaffected by them. Purusha is pure consciousness, and its entanglement with Prakriti causes the illusion of duality.
Sanskrit:
Samyoga-vyabhicara
Translation:
The union (Samyoga) of Purusha with Prakriti causes the manifestation of the material world.
Commentary Insight:
The union of Purusha with Prakriti leads to the creation and evolution of the universe. This entanglement causes confusion, resulting in the experience of duality and suffering.
Sanskrit:
Karma-shuddhi-prayojana
Translation:
The goal of Samkhya is the purification of karma.
Commentary Insight:
The ultimate goal is the liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) by purifying one's actions and intellect.
Sanskrit:
Prakritim purusham cha
Translation:
The transformation of Prakriti leads to the evolution of the cosmos.
Commentary Insight:
Prakriti is in a constant state of transformation, and its evolution manifests as the material world. The evolution occurs through the three gunas (sattva, rajas, tamas), which influence everything in the cosmos.
Sanskrit:
Viveka-khyati
Translation:
Discrimination (Viveka) between Purusha and Prakriti leads to liberation.
Commentary Insight:
By developing discernment (Viveka), one can distinguish between the eternal Purusha and the transient Prakriti, which is the path to liberation.