The Samkhya philosophy, attributed to the sage Kapila, is one of the six classical schools of thought in Hindu philosophy. It provides a metaphysical framework for understanding the nature of reality and the process of creation. Central to the Samkhya system are the concepts of Prakriti and Purusha.
Prakriti (Pradhana):
Nature and Characteristics: Prakriti is the primal,
unmanifested, and insentient cosmic matter. It is the source of all material
existence in the universe. Prakriti is eternal and unchanging, representing the
potential for creation.
Three Gunas: Prakriti is further characterized by three
fundamental qualities or gunas - Sattva (goodness), Rajas (passion), and Tamas
(ignorance). These gunas are in a state of constant flux and combination,
influencing the various manifestations in the material world.
Purusha:
Conscious Entities: Purusha refers to individual conscious
entities or souls. Unlike Prakriti, Purusha is sentient, unchanging, and
without attributes. Each individual has their distinct Purusha.
Infinite in Number: Purushas are considered infinite in
number. Each Purusha is independent and unaffected by the changes in Prakriti.
The interaction between Purusha and Prakriti is crucial for the unfolding of
the universe.
Creation and Evolution:
Association of Purusha and Prakriti: The entire cosmos is
said to emerge from the interaction between Purusha and Prakriti. The
association of Purusha with the evolutes of Prakriti leads to the creation of
the material world.
Evolutes of Prakriti: Prakriti undergoes various
transformations, resulting in the creation of the physical and mental
constituents of the universe. These evolutes include the mind, ego, intellect,
and the elements.
Liberation (Kaivalya):
Goal of Samkhya: The ultimate goal in Samkhya is the
liberation (kaivalya) of the individual soul (Purusha) from the cycles of birth
and death. Liberation is achieved through the discernment of the difference
between Purusha and Prakriti, realizing the eternal and unchanging nature of
the self.
In summary, the Samkhya system provides a dualistic
perspective on reality, emphasizing the distinction between the eternal,
conscious Purusha and the ever-changing, material Prakriti. The journey toward
liberation involves understanding this distinction and transcending the
influence of Prakriti to attain a state of pure consciousness.