What is Samkhya?

Samkhya (Sanskrit: सामख्य) is an ancient Indian school of Hindu philosophy that emerged around 400 BCE. It is one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy and is considered one of the most ancient and influential schools of Hinduism.

The term Samkhya is derived from the Sanskrit word "samkhya," which means "division" or "dualism." The philosophy is also known as Trikaya, which means "three bodies" or "three forms." The Samkhya philosophy is based on the idea that the universe is composed of two fundamental principles: Purusha (the conscious, unchanging, and eternal self) and Prakriti (the unconscious, changing, and eternal matter).

The Samkhya philosophy is often described as a dualistic philosophy, as it posits the existence of two fundamental principles that are in constant interaction. However, the Samkhya philosophy is not a dualistic philosophy in the sense that it posits the existence of two separate and independent entities. Rather, it posits the existence of two fundamental principles that are interconnected and interdependent.

Samkhya Principles

The Samkhya philosophy is based on several key principles, including:

• Purusha and Prakriti: The two fundamental principles of the universe, which are in constant interaction.
• Trikaya: The three bodies or three forms of the universe, which are composed of Purusha, Prakriti, and the interaction between them.
• Gunas: The three fundamental qualities of the universe, which are Sattva (purity, goodness, and light), Rajas (activity, passion, and darkness), and Tamas (inactivity, dullness, and coldness).
• Samkhya Yoga: The practice of yoga that aims to balance the three gunas and achieve liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

The Samkhya principles are based on the idea that the universe is governed by natural law and that all phenomena are interconnected and interdependent.

Samkhya Schools

The Samkhya philosophy has several schools and traditions, including:

• Samkhya Sarivastra: The most ancient and authoritative text of the Samkhya philosophy, which is attributed to Kapila.
• Samkhya Darshana: A commentary on the Samkhya Sarivastra, which provides a detailed exposition of the Samkhya philosophy.
• Samkhya Bhashya: A commentary on the Samkhya Darshana, which provides a detailed analysis of the Samkhya philosophy.

The Samkhya schools are based on the idea that the Samkhya philosophy is a comprehensive and systematic philosophy that can be understood and practiced through the study of the Samkhya texts.

Samkhya Philosophy in Practice

The Samkhya philosophy in practice involves the following key principles:

• Self-realization: The practice of self-realization, which involves the recognition of one's true nature as Purusha.
• Yoga: The practice of yoga, which involves the balancing of the three gunas and the achievement of liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
• Detachment: The practice of detachment, which involves the renunciation of attachment to the world and its pleasures.
• Non-attachment: The practice of non-attachment, which involves the recognition that all phenomena are impermanent and ephemeral.

The Samkhya philosophy in practice involves the recognition that the ultimate goal of human life is to achieve liberation from the cycle of birth and death and to realize one's true nature as Purusha.