What is Sankhya Yoga?
Sankhya Yoga is the path of knowledge and discrimination between the real (eternal soul – Purusha) and the unreal (material world – Prakriti). It focuses on understanding the true nature of reality through rational analysis, introspection, and inner awareness.
In essence, Sankhya Yoga teaches:
You are not the body or mind, but the immortal soul (Atman).
Suffering arises from ignorance of this truth.
Liberation (Moksha) is attained by realizing the distinction between the Self (Purusha) and matter (Prakriti).
What it Describes About:
1. Dualism: Reality consists of two independent principles –
Purusha (pure consciousness)
Prakriti (nature or material reality)
2. Twenty-Five Tattvas (Principles): It classifies all elements of existence including intellect (Buddhi), ego (Ahamkara), mind (Manas), senses, and the five great elements (Mahabhutas).
3. Cause of Bondage: Bondage occurs when Purusha falsely identifies with Prakriti (i.e., body-mind complex).
4. Path to Liberation: Through Viveka (discrimination) and Jnana (knowledge), one realizes their true nature and becomes free from the cycle of birth and death (Samsara).
Who was the Originator?
The originator of the Sankhya philosophy is Sage Kapila, an ancient sage believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
He is said to have composed the foundational Sankhya Sutras, though the exact text is mostly lost, and the classical form survives in Ishvarakrishna's Sankhya Karika (~4th century CE).
Sankhya Yoga in Bhagavad Gita:
In Chapter 2, Krishna introduces Sankhya Yoga to Arjuna:
He teaches the impermanence of the body and eternity of the soul.
Encourages detached action without concern for results (Nishkama Karma).
Prepares the ground for Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Jnana Yoga.
"The wise grieve neither for the living nor the dead..." – Bhagavad Gita 2.11
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