Sankhya is a philosophical and metaphysical school of thought that originates from ancient India. The term "Sankhya" is derived from the Sanskrit word "Samkhya," which means enumeration or counting. It is considered one of the oldest systems of Indian philosophy, with its roots traced back to the 5th century BCE.
In Sankhya philosophy, the primary focus is on understanding the nature of reality, the human existence, and the ultimate truth. Sankhya aims to analyze and classify the different aspects of the universe through a dualistic framework. It posits that there are two fundamental realities: purusha (consciousness or spirit) and prakriti (matter or nature).
According to Sankhya, the material world is made up of 24 elements, including the five gross elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether), the five sensory organs, the five organs of action, the five subtle elements (sound, touch, form, taste, and smell), and the mind and intellect. Purusha, on the other hand, is pure consciousness that exists independently of matter.
The goal of Sankhya is to liberate purusha from the material world and attain moksha (liberation). It suggests that through self-realization and discrimination between purusha and prakriti, one can overcome ignorance and achieve spiritual liberation.
Sankhya philosophy has had a significant influence on various other schools of Indian philosophy, including Yoga and Vedanta. Its emphasis on analysis, enumeration, and understanding the duality of existence has contributed to the broader understanding of consciousness, existence, and the nature of reality in Indian philosophical traditions.
