The Samkhya Pravachana Sutra, also known as the Samkhya Darshana, is an ancient Indian philosophical text that dates back to the 8th century BCE. It is one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy and is considered one of the most important works of Hindu philosophy.
- The Samkhya Pravachana Sutra is attributed to the sage Kapila, who is said to have lived in the 8th century BCE. It is believed to have been written in Sanskrit and consists of 48 chapters.
- The text is a comprehensive treatise on the nature of the universe, the self, and the ultimate reality. It presents a dualistic view of the universe, positing the existence of two fundamental principles: purusha (the conscious self) and prakriti (the unconscious universe).
- The Samkhya Pravachana Sutra is known for its emphasis on the individual's spiritual liberation through the realization of the true nature of the self. It presents a comprehensive system of philosophy, spirituality, and yoga.
- The text is divided into two main sections: the prathama pashana (first lecture) and the uttama pashana (second lecture). The first section presents the fundamental principles of the Samkhya philosophy, while the second section presents the practical applications of the philosophy.