The Philosophical system which postulates that, ‘Everything in reality stems from ‘Purusha’ and ‘Prakriti”?
The Philosophical system which postulates that, ‘Everything in reality stems from ‘Purusha’ and ‘Prakriti”? Correct Answer Samkhya
- Samkhya is one of the six astika schools of Indian philosophy.
- It is most related to the Yoga school of Hinduism, and it was influential on other schools of Indian philosophy.
- It forms the theoretical foundation of Yoga.
- Samkhya's epistemology accepts three of six pramanas ('proofs') as the only reliable means of gaining knowledge, as does yoga.
- These are pratyakṣa ('perception'), anumāṇa ('inference') and śabda (āptavacana, meaning, 'word/testimony of reliable sources').
Key Points
Theory of Self:
- Samkhya is dualistic realism.
- Samkhya philosophy regards the universe as consisting of two independent realities:
- Purusha:
- It is the self (Atman) and is based on pure consciousness.
- Purusha is not one but many.
- Prakriti:
- It is the non-self based on matter.
- It is devoid of consciousness.
- Prakriti is unintelligible and gets greatly influenced by the Purusha.
- The mind and the thoughts that appear in the mind are also considered a part of Prakriti.
- Samkhya considers that both matter and spirit are equally real.
- Jiva ('a living being') is that state in which Purusha is bonded to Prakriti in some form.
- The universe is described by this school as one created by Purusha-Prakriti entities.
- These are infused with various combinations of variously enumerated elements, senses, feelings, activity, and mind.
- During the state of imbalance, one or more constituents overwhelm the others, creating a form of bondage, particularly of the mind.
- The end of this imbalance and bondage is called liberation or kaivalya by the Samkhya school.
- The existence of God or a supreme being is not considered relevant by the Samkhya philosophers.
- Samkhya denies the final cause of Ishvara.
- The Samkhya school considers the Vedas a reliable source of knowledge.
- Samkhya philosophy is known for its theory of Gunas.
Thus, Samkhya is the oldest of the orthodox philosophical systems, and it postulates that everything, in reality, stems from purusha (self, soul or mind) and prakriti (matter, creative agency, energy). Purush cannot be modified or changed while prakriti brings a change in all objects.
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Feb 20, 2025