Samkhya Aphorisms Of Kapila

The “Samkhya Aphorisms of Kapila,” also known as the “Samkhya Sutras,” is a foundational text in the Samkhya school of Indian philosophy, traditionally attributed to the sage Kapila. The Samkhya system is one of the six classical schools of Indian philosophy (darshanas) and is considered one of the oldest philosophical systems in India.

Key Features of the Samkhya Aphorisms:

1. Dualistic Philosophy: Samkhya is known for its dualistic understanding of reality, which distinguishes between two fundamental principles: Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter).
2. Purusha and Prakriti:
   • Purusha: The pure consciousness or the soul, which is passive and unchanging.
   • Prakriti: The primal nature or matter, which is active and dynamic, comprising three gunas (qualities) – sattva (goodness), rajas (activity), and tamas (inertia).
3. Evolution of the Universe: According to Samkhya, the universe evolves through the interaction of Purusha and Prakriti. This interaction leads to the manifestation of the material world and the variety of life forms.