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[[File:Purusha-Pakriti.jpg|Purusha-Pakriti|thumb]] [[File:Evolution_in_Samkhya.jpg|Evolution in Samkhya|thumb|left]] [[File:3_Pramana_Epistemology_Samkhya_Yoga_Hindu_schools.svg|3 Pramana Epistemology Samkhya Yoga Hindu schools|thumb|left]] [[File:Siddhasana.svg|Siddhasana|thumb]] '''Samkhya''' or '''Sankhya''' ([[Sanskrit]]: सांख्य) is one of the six [[Āstika]] schools of [[Hindu philosophy]]. It is often regarded as the oldest philosophical system in Hindu tradition, with its origins attributed to the sage [[Kapila]]. Samkhya is a dualistic philosophy that postulates two eternal realities: [[Purusha]] (consciousness) and [[Prakriti]] (matter). It is considered a theoretical foundation for the practice of [[Yoga]], as it provides the metaphysical underpinning for the liberation ([[Moksha]]) of the soul from the cycles of [[rebirth]] ([[Samsara]]).

==Philosophy==
Samkhya philosophy divides the universe into two eternal realities: Purusha and Prakriti. Purusha is the principle of pure consciousness, unchanging and beyond the reach of pain and pleasure. Prakriti, in contrast, is the principle of matter, changeable and the cause of physical existence. Samkhya posits that the interaction between Purusha and Prakriti is the cause of the universe and all its phenomena.

The system outlines 25 principles ([[Tattva]]s) that emanate from Prakriti, including the [[Mahat]] or the great principle, the [[Ahamkara]] or ego, and the [[Manas]] or mind, along with the five [[Tanmatra]]s (subtle elements), the five [[Mahabhuta]]s (gross elements), and the ten [[Indriya]]s (senses). Liberation is achieved through the realization of the difference between Purusha and Prakriti, leading to the disentanglement of consciousness from materiality.

==Historical Development==
The origins of Samkhya are traditionally attributed to the sage Kapila, though the historical details of his life are scarce. The earliest texts related to Samkhya philosophy are found in the [[Upanishads]], with the [[Samkhya Karika]] by [[Ishvarakrishna]] (circa 3rd century CE) being the oldest surviving explicit treatise on Samkhya philosophy. The [[Bhagavad Gita]] and the [[Mahabharata]] also contain chapters that are influenced by Samkhya thought.

==Influence==
Samkhya's dualistic framework has had a profound influence on other schools of Hindu philosophy, particularly [[Yoga]], which adopts its metaphysical schema. It has also influenced [[Buddhism]] and [[Jainism]] to some extent. The concepts of Purusha and Prakriti have been interpreted and reinterpreted in various philosophical and religious contexts throughout Indian history.

==Criticism and Comparison==
Samkhya's dualism has been subject to criticism, particularly from the non-dualistic school of [[Advaita Vedanta]], which argues for the ultimate reality of Brahman and the illusory nature of the distinction between consciousness and matter. Despite these criticisms, Samkhya remains an important part of the Indian philosophical tradition, offering a unique perspective on the nature of reality and the path to liberation.

==See Also==
* [[Hindu philosophy]]
* [[Yoga Sutras of Patanjali]]
* [[Indian epistemology]]
* [[Dharma]]

[[Category:Hindu philosophical concepts]]
[[Category:Indian philosophy]]
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Samkhya - Revision history

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