Advaita Vedanta and Samkhya are two of the major philosophical systems within Hinduism, each offering distinct perspectives on the nature of reality, the self, and the path to liberation. Here’s a detailed comparison between these two systems:
Advaita Vedanta
Philosophical Basis:
- Non-Dualism (Advaita): Advaita Vedanta, based on the teachings of Adi Shankaracharya, advocates for non-dualism. It posits that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is singular and without a second. Everything else is an illusion (Maya).
- Scriptural Foundation: The principal texts are the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Brahma Sutras.
Nature of Reality:
- Brahman: The ultimate, formless, eternal reality which is pure consciousness and bliss.
- Maya: The illusory power that creates the perception of the material world.
Concept of Self:
- Atman and Brahman: The individual self (Atman) is identical to Brahman. Realizing this unity is the goal of human life.
- Illusion of Individuality: The sense of individuality and separateness is an illusion created by ignorance (Avidya).
Path to Liberation:
- Jnana Yoga: The path of knowledge and wisdom. Liberation (Moksha) is achieved through self-realization and understanding the true nature of the self.
- Meditation and Self-Inquiry: Practices that help one realize the non-dual nature of reality.
Samkhya
Philosophical Basis:
- Dualism: Samkhya is a dualistic philosophy that distinguishes between two fundamental realities: Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter).
- Scriptural Foundation: The Samkhya Karika by Ishvara Krishna is one of the foundational texts.
Nature of Reality:
- Purusha: The passive, unchanging, conscious observer.
- Prakriti: The active, dynamic principle which is the source of the material universe. It evolves through various stages to create the cosmos.
Concept of Self:
- Plurality of Purushas: Unlike Advaita, Samkhya posits multiple Purushas (individual consciousnesses).
- Separation of Purusha and Prakriti: Liberation involves realizing the distinction between Purusha and Prakriti, recognizing that the self is not the material body or mind but the pure consciousness.
Path to Liberation:
- Knowledge and Discrimination: Understanding the difference between Purusha and Prakriti through intellectual discernment (Viveka).
- Detachment: Achieving liberation by detaching oneself from the activities of Prakriti and remaining rooted in the pure consciousness of Purusha.
Key Differences
Metaphysics:
- Advaita Vedanta: Non-dual; everything is ultimately Brahman.
- Samkhya: Dualistic; reality consists of Purusha and Prakriti as separate entities.
Concept of Self:
- Advaita Vedanta: The self (Atman) is one with Brahman.
- Samkhya: The self (Purusha) is distinct and numerous.
Ultimate Goal:
- Advaita Vedanta: Realization of one's identity with Brahman.
- Samkhya: Realization of the separation of Purusha from Prakriti.
Liberation (Moksha):
- Advaita Vedanta: Achieved through self-knowledge and the dissolution of ignorance.
- Samkhya: Achieved through discriminative knowledge and detachment from Prakriti.
Commonalities
- Both systems aim for the liberation of the self from the cycle of birth and death (Samsara).
- Both emphasize the importance of knowledge in achieving liberation.
- Both systems form the basis for various practices and beliefs within Hindu spirituality and have influenced other schools of thought within Hinduism.
In summary, while Advaita Vedanta and Samkhya both seek liberation and emphasize the role of knowledge, they differ fundamentally in their metaphysical assumptions and conceptualizations of self and ultimate reality.