In the philosophical system of Sankhya, there is a distinction between two main branches: Nirishwara Sankhya and Seshvara Sankhya.
Nirishwara Sankhya:
- "Nir" in Nirishwara means "not," and "Ishwara" refers to God or Ishvara. Therefore, Nirishwara Sankhya is the branch of Sankhya philosophy that does not incorporate the concept of a supreme deity or Ishvara.
- In Nirishwara Sankhya, the focus is primarily on understanding the universe through metaphysical principles. It posits 25 cosmic principles (tattvas) as the foundation of creation and existence.
- These cosmic principles include concepts such as Prakriti (matter), Purusha (consciousness), Buddhi (intellect), Ahamkara (ego), and the five elements, among others.
- The absence of Ishvara distinguishes Nirishwara Sankhya from other philosophical systems that incorporate a divine creator or supreme being into their worldview.
Seshvara Sankhya:
- In contrast to Nirishwara Sankhya, Seshvara Sankhya incorporates the concept of Ishvara or God as the 26th principle.
- While Seshvara Sankhya accepts the 25 cosmic principles elucidated by Nirishwara Sankhya, it goes further by acknowledging the existence of a supreme deity as well.
- This branch of Sankhya philosophy recognizes the role of Ishvara in the cosmic order and in the process of creation, sustenance, and dissolution of the universe.
- By including Ishvara as a fundamental principle, Seshvara Sankhya provides a spiritual dimension to the philosophical framework, emphasizing the path of devotion and surrender to the divine as a means to liberation (kaivalya).
In summary, the distinction between Nirishwara Sankhya and
Seshvara Sankhya lies in the acceptance or rejection of the concept of Ishvara
or God within the Sankhya philosophical system. While Nirishwara Sankhya is
characterized by its atheistic or non-theistic approach, Seshvara Sankhya
acknowledges the existence of a divine entity as an integral part of its
worldview.