Samkhya philosophy, one of the six orthodox schools of Indian philosophy, provides a dualistic framework to explain the process of creation. This system postulates that the universe is a result of the interaction between two fundamental and eternal principles: Purusha and Prakriti.
Purusha (Spirit or Consciousness): Purusha represents pure consciousness, the unchanging, eternal, and passive observer. It is devoid of any attributes and activities and does not directly engage in the process of creation. There are many individual purushas, each representing a separate consciousness. Purusha is considered to be the experiencer and enjoys or suffers due to the play of Prakriti but remains uninvolved in the material world.
Prakriti (Nature or Matter): Prakriti, on the other hand, is the principle of matter, which is dynamic, active, and the source of the material world. It is composed of three gunas (qualities or tendencies):
- Sattva (purity, harmony, balance)
- Rajas (activity, passion, dynamism)
- Tamas (inertia, darkness, chaos)
In its primordial state, Prakriti is in a state of perfect equilibrium, where the three gunas are balanced and no creation occurs. This state persists during dissolution (pralaya).
The Process of Creation: Creation begins when the equilibrium of the gunas is disturbed. This disturbance can occur due to the proximity of Purusha, which somehow initiates the process, although Purusha remains a passive witness.
Mahat (Cosmic Intellect or Great Principle): The first manifestation from Prakriti is Mahat or cosmic intellect. Mahat contains all the buddhis (higher minds or intellects) and represents the universal principle of intelligence.
Ahamkara (Ego or I-maker): From Mahat emerges Ahamkara, the sense of individuality or ego. Ahamkara is responsible for the identification of the self with the physical and mental processes. It differentiates the self from the non-self and is the source of individuality.
Manas (Mind), Senses, and Elements: Ahamkara further differentiates into various components:
- Manas (Mind): The coordinating organ of the senses.
- Jnanendriyas (Cognitive Senses): The five senses of perception (hearing, touch, sight, taste, and smell).
- Karmendriyas (Active Senses): The five organs of action (speech, hands, feet, excretion, and reproduction).
- Tanmatras (Subtle Elements): The subtle essences of the five elements (sound, touch, form, taste, and smell).
- Mahabhutas (Gross Elements): The five gross elements (ether, air, fire, water, and earth) that make up the physical universe.
Purpose of Creation: According to Samkhya, the entire process of creation evolves for the sake of Purusha. The material world, with all its variety and experiences, provides a stage for Purusha to experience and eventually realize its true nature. Through these experiences, Purusha can achieve liberation (moksha) by understanding its distinctness from Prakriti.
Parinamavada (Theory of Evolution or Transformation): Samkhya philosophy advocates a theory of evolution known as Parinamavada. It asserts that the world evolves through a process of transformation. The gunas of Prakriti undergo various permutations and combinations to create the diversity of the material world. This transformation is not creation from nothing but an unfolding of what is already latent in Prakriti.
In summary, Samkhya philosophy presents a detailed and systematic account of the creation and evolution of the universe, rooted in the interplay of consciousness (Purusha) and matter (Prakriti). Through this interaction, the material world unfolds, providing the necessary conditions for the soul to experience, evolve, and ultimately achieve liberation.