The concept of liberation, often referred to as mukti, moksha, kaivalya, or nirvana, holds a central place in the philosophical discourse of Hinduism. Each of the six classical systems of Hindu philosophy acknowledges the pursuit of liberation as the ultimate goal of human life. Among these, the term "kaivalya" is particularly emphasized by the Samkhya and Yoga philosophies.
In the context of Samkhya and Yoga, kaivalya carries a
specific technical meaning, closely related to the fundamental principles of
these philosophical systems. The term "kaivalya" is derived from the
Sanskrit root "kevala," which signifies 'alone' or 'absolute.' In
essence, kaivalya suggests a state of being completely independent and
detached.
According to Samkhya and Yoga, individuals are bound by the
cycle of birth and death due to their association and identification with
pradhana or prakriti, which represents insentient nature and the matrix of
material creation. Through the practice of yoga, an individual seeks to realize
the inherent distinction between the purusha (individual soul) and prakriti.
The pivotal realization, known as "vivekakhyati,"
unfolds through the discerning wisdom gained in the practice of yoga. This
knowledge brings about a profound understanding that the purusha is
fundamentally different and separate from prakriti. As a result, the individual
soul is liberated from the bondage imposed by its association with the material
world.
The Yogasutras (4.34) specifically highlight the attainment
of kaivalya as the ultimate goal of the yogic journey. Once liberated, the
individual purusha stands alone, free from the shackles of prakriti, and is no
longer subject to the cycles of birth and death. This state of kaivalya
represents the culmination of the spiritual quest in Samkhya and Yoga, where
the individual soul regains its inherent independence and transcends the
limitations of material existence.