Samkhya, one of Hinduism's oldest schools, offers a dualistic view of reality. It posits two fundamental principles: (eternal consciousness) and (primordial matter). This philosophy explains the universe's creation and evolution through the interplay of these two forces.
Samkhya's concepts deeply influenced other Hindu schools and scriptures. Its ideas about consciousness, matter, and the three gunas (qualities) shaped , Vedanta, and even the Bhagavad Gita. Understanding Samkhya provides crucial insights into Hindu thought and its development over time.
Samkhya Dualism: Purusha and Prakriti
Purusha: Eternal Consciousness
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The Self in Indian Philosophy: Hindu, Buddhist and Carvaka views View original
Purusha is the eternal, unchanging, and passive witness of the manifest world
Pure consciousness, devoid of qualities or attributes
The true self or atman
Distinct and independent from prakriti
The goal of Samkhya is to realize the true nature of purusha as distinct from prakriti, leading to liberation ()
Prakriti: Primordial Matter
Prakriti is the eternal, ever-changing, and active principle of the manifest world
Primordial matter or substance from which all phenomena arise, including the mind, intellect, and ego
Evolves and involves to create the manifest world for the sake of purusha's experience
Composed of three fundamental qualities or attributes called gunas: , , and
Distinct and independent from purusha
Three Gunas in Universe Manifestation
Sattva: Purity and Balance
Sattva is the quality of light, clarity, and wisdom
Leads to knowledge, happiness, and spiritual growth
Individuals with a predominance of sattva are characterized by calmness, contentment, and detachment
Examples: a serene practice, a balanced and nutritious diet
Rajas: Activity and Passion
Rajas is the quality of energy, action, and desire
Leads to activity, ambition, and worldly pursuits
Individuals with a predominance of rajas are characterized by restlessness, passion, and attachment
Examples: a high-powered business executive, an intense workout session
Tamas: Inertia and Ignorance
Tamas is the quality of darkness, ignorance, and inertia
Leads to delusion, laziness, and stagnation
Individuals with a predominance of tamas are characterized by dullness, ignorance, and apathy
Examples: a person in a deep, dreamless sleep, a couch potato watching television for hours
Interplay of Gunas
The interplay of the three gunas creates the diversity and dynamism of the manifest world
The relative proportions of the gunas determine the nature and characteristics of all phenomena, from the gross elements to the subtlest aspects of the mind
The gunas are the building blocks of the manifest world and are present in varying proportions in all phenomena, including the mind, intellect, and ego
Samkhya's Process of Evolution and Involution
Evolution (Sarga)
Evolution begins with the disturbance of the equilibrium of the three gunas in prakriti, triggered by the proximity of purusha
The first evolute of prakriti is or cosmic intelligence, which gives rise to (ego or sense of individuality)
From ahamkara, three types emerge: sattvic (vaikarika), rajasic (taijasa), and tamasic (bhutadi)
The sattvic ahamkara gives rise to the mind (), the five sense organs (), and the five organs of action ()
The rajasic ahamkara gives rise to the five subtle elements ()
The tamasic ahamkara gives rise to the five gross elements (): earth, water, fire, air, and ether
The process of evolution continues with the combination and permutation of the gross elements, giving rise to the diverse objects and beings of the manifest world
Involution (Pratisarga)
Involution is the reverse process of evolution, where the manifest world dissolves back into prakriti
Occurs when the three gunas return to a state of equilibrium, and the proximity of purusha is withdrawn
The cycle of evolution and involution is perpetual, with the manifest world being created and dissolved repeatedly
This cycle continues until purusha attains liberation through the realization of its true nature as distinct from prakriti
Samkhya's Influence on Hindu Philosophy
Impact on Other Schools
Samkhya is one of the oldest and most influential schools of Hindu philosophy
Its dualistic framework and concepts have had a profound impact on the development of other philosophical schools
The Yoga school, founded by Patanjali, adopts the metaphysical framework of Samkhya but adds the concept of Ishvara (God) and emphasizes meditation and self-discipline
The Vedanta school, particularly Advaita Vedanta, incorporates elements of Samkhya philosophy, such as prakriti and the three gunas, but reinterprets them in a non-dualistic framework
The Purva Mimamsa school accepts the Samkhya view of purusha and prakriti but emphasizes dharma and the performance of duties
The Nyaya and Vaisheshika schools engage with Samkhya concepts and arguments in their philosophical discussions and debates
Integration in Hindu Scriptures
The Bhagavad Gita, a seminal Hindu scripture, integrates Samkhya concepts with devotional theism (bhakti) and the philosophy of karma yoga
Presents a synthesis of different philosophical perspectives
Samkhya's influence extends beyond Hindu philosophy, with its concepts and terminology being adopted and adapted by Buddhist and Jain thinkers in their own philosophical systems