Significance of Sankhya philosophy
Sankhya philosophy, rooted in ancient Indian thought and traditionally attributed to the sage Kapila, represents a dualistic framework analyzing the nature of reality and existence. It posits two fundamental entities: Purusha (the soul) and Prakriti (the material principle). This philosophical system emphasizes the importance of knowledge for liberation while detailing concepts such as non-attachment and the distinction between consciousness and matter. Sankhya also explores cosmology and epistemology, influencing various Indian philosophical schools and spiritual traditions, including Vedanta and Yoga.
Synonyms: Nyaya philosophy, Samkhya system, Dualism, Dualistic philosophy, Indian philosophy, Samkhya doctrine, Sankhya system, Sankhya school, Samkhya philosophy
In Dutch: Sankhya-filosofie; In Finnish: Sankhya-filosofia; In Spanish: FilosofÃa Sankhya; In German: Sankhya-Philosophie; In Malay: Falsafah Sankhya; In Swedish: Sankhya filosofi; In French: Philosophie Sankhya
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Sankhya philosophy'
Sankhya philosophy in Hinduism posits dualism between the eternal principles of consciousness (Purusha) and matter (Prakriti). It emphasizes knowledge as essential for liberation, analyzing reality's nature, and influences various spiritual teachings within the tradition.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A philosophical system that emphasizes dualism and the importance of knowledge for liberation from material existence.[1] (2) A philosophical system that seeks to understand the nature of reality through categorizing principles and concepts like Prakriti and the Soul.[2] (3) An ancient Indian philosophy that emphasizes the distinction between consciousness and matter.[3] (4) An ancient Indian philosophy focused on enumeration and categorization of reality.[4] (5) A philosophical system that delves into the nature of reality and the self, emphasized by Krishna during discussions.[5]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) An ancient school of Indian philosophy that deals with cosmology and the nature of reality, providing foundational concepts to the Puranik narratives.[6] (2) An ancient school of Indian philosophy that emphasizes the dualism of consciousness and matter, underpinning the creation narrative in the Puranas.[7] (3) A contrasting philosophical standpoint to Vedanta, referenced to indicate the unique aspects of the Bhagavata's teachings.[8] (4) An ancient Indian philosophy that emphasizes knowledge and control of thoughts, which leads to liberation.[9]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) A system of philosophy expounded by Kapila, emphasizing the importance of reasoning and the nature of reality.[10]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A school of Indian philosophy where Avyakta may refer to Pradhana or Prakriti, but in the context of the Sruti texts, it indicates a different meaning.[11] (2) A philosophical system that posits an independent entity as the cause of the world, challenged by the Vedantic standpoint based on scriptural texts.[12] (3) A dualistic philosophical system that explores the relationship between consciousness and matter, and is critiqued for its contradictions in the text.[13] (4) An ancient Indian philosophical system that posits a dualism between consciousness and matter.[14]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) An ancient Indian philosophy that explains the universe through the interaction of Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter).[15] (2) A philosophical system that suggests liberation is achieved through the discrimination between Parasha and Prakriti.[16]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) The Sankhya philosophy is a system that may be considered when admitting two co-existent eternal principles, and its basis is mentioned.[17]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) One of the six orthodox schools of Indian philosophy, which outlines a dualistic view of reality, focusing on the distinction between spirit and matter.[18] (2) An ancient Indian philosophy that emphasizes analysis and understanding of the nature of reality, particularly in the context of the relationship between the soul and nature.[19] (3) A philosophical system that, like Yoga, aims for liberation but uses different terminologies.[20]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) An ancient Indian philosophy that emphasizes the distinction between the object and the idea, highlighting the role of different mental states.[21]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A philosophical system in Indian tradition that analyzes the nature of reality and existence, generally focusing on knowledge and discernment, which is deemed insufficient for controlling the divine.[22]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) An approach in Vedanta delineating the distinction between the material body and the non-material soul.[23]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) An ancient Indian philosophy that emphasizes knowledge and the distinction between the material and spiritual worlds.[24]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) A system attributing two fundamental entities to existence: the material principle (prakriti) and the eternal soul (purusha).[25]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A philosophical system that presents a dualistic view of existence, often contrasted with the non-dual perspective of Vedanta.[26]
From: Samarangana-sutradhara (Summary)
(1) A philosophical framework that influences the understanding of how creation is analyzed in the chapter.[27]
Jain concept of 'Sankhya philosophy'
Sankhya philosophy in Jainism is interpreted as a system rooted in Kapila's teachings, emphasizing the soul's dependence on external actions, highlighting intuitive knowledge as taraka, and viewing the soul as eternally unchanged while rejecting the idea of a beginningless worldly existence.
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) A philosophical stance that asserts the soul does not act independently but is impacted by actions taken by others.[28]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A philosophical system that developed from the teachings of Kapila, passed down orally.[29]
The concept of Sankhya philosophy in local and regional sources
Sankhya philosophy encompasses ancient Indian metaphysics, focusing on the dualism of Prakriti (matter) and Purusha (spirit). It analyzes existence, emphasizing qualities like Sattva for spiritual growth, while proposing a non-theistic view of reality.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A philosophical doctrine suggesting that a balance sheet of one’s actions determines one's future existence and experiences.[30] (2) An ancient philosophical system referenced in the play, relating to the dual concepts of 'Prakriti' (Matter) and 'Purusha' (Spirit).[31] (3) A dualistic school of Indian philosophy that analyzes the material and spiritual aspects of existence.[32] (4) An ancient Indian philosophical system that explores the nature of reality, paralleling Wordsworth's exploration of nature and existence.[33] (5) An ancient Indian philosophical system acknowledged in the Mahabharata that deals with metaphysical dualism and the classification of reality.[34]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This is a philosophical system that the text references to explain the nature of reality and the human experience, and it is the system that the author uses to begin the lecture.[35] (2) According to this, beyond the whole of nature is the Purusha, which is not material at all, and it is entirely separate and different in its nature.[36] (3) This philosophy, as described in the text, does not include a concept of God, emphasizing the role of nature in explaining the universe.[37] (4) The Vedanta and this philosophy are very little opposed to each other, and all the systems take up the psychology of the Sankhya, demonstrating their relationship.[38] (5) This philosophical school argues that consciousness is a compound, and further analysis reveals the Purusha, the Witness, suggesting the existence of multiple Purushas, with each individual being one of them, according to the provided material.[39]