Mind, Matter, and Liberation in Sankhya: An Analytical Study

Abstract

In this paper, I analyse the philosophical and psychological underpinnings of Sāṅkhya, paying particular attention to the connection between liberation, mind, and matter. In my opinion, Sāṅkhya offers a distinct dualistic paradigm that views puruṣa (pure awareness) and prakṛti (material nature) as two distinct and essential realities. The study investigates how the idea of tattvas explains the universe’s methodical evolution, including how the mind developed as a result of material nature. I contend that the mind, which is made up of intellect, ego, and sensory processes, is a tool for experiencing rather than the actual self. The issue of bondage is further examined in the paper as a result of puruṣa being mistakenly identified with prakṛti and its derivatives. People perceive pleasure, misery, attachment, and suffering as belonging to themselves as a result of this confusion. According to what I understand, Sāṅkhya provides a logical solution to this issue by using viveka, or discriminative knowledge, which makes it easier to discriminate between awareness and material processes. Lastly, I contend that the emergence of this real knowledge, which results in total independence of the self from the influence of prakṛti, leads to freedom (kaivalya). This study demonstrates that Sāṅkhya is both a practical philosophical method and a metaphysical framework that is still important for comprehending human psychology, self-awareness, and escape from suffering in the contemporary world.