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"HINDU PHILOSOPHY: The teachings of the philosophical Systems
(The Sankhya -Yoga System)

Introduction: Let us continue with the teachings of another pair of the six systems of Hindu Philosophy. In the past article, we noted some of the teachings of the Nyaya Vaisesika system of Hindu philosophy and here, in this article, we are proceeding to the next selected pair,namely the Sankhya-Yoga system of philosophy.

The originator of the Sankhya system of philosphy was Kapila Muni and, the yoga system of philosophy was propounded by Patanjali Maharishi.

In this system, the philosophies of the two systems have their basis on the Sankhya Sutra and the Yoga Sutra by the said Kapila Muni and Patanjali Maharishi respectively. In this paired system of philosophy, the term Sankhya means 'number', but some philosophers feel that it really means "reflections on philosophy". Yoga originates from the word 'yuj' meaning to 'join'. So, Yoga means the assimilation of the individual soul with the Universal soul.

The Teachings of the Sankhya-Yoga System on God and Creation.

1. The Sankhya system is an atheistically system, that is it does not accept a
creator GOD and believes in a primordial principle, Prakriti, which is said to
evolve and produce what we commonly call as creation-since it has its own
existence.

2. As humans area combination of gross matter and subtle consciousness, the aim of
the Sankhya philosophy is to liberate the souls through Prakriti.

3. The aim of Yoga philosophy is:
(a) To free humans from suffering as a result of:
(i) illness;
(ii) attachment to things in nature;
(iii) an uncontrolled mind
(b) The freeing of humans of the sufferings experienced in (a) above through:
(i) non-attachment to things in nature
(ii) controlling the mind by not allowing it to wander;
(iii) self-realization.
Note: The subtle consciousness in man is an emanation from the Divine and hence
human consciousness desires to return to its original 'home'- to the Divine
just like the water of a river rushing to fulfill its desire to reach
'home'- the lake, sea or ocean. The subtle consciousness in mankind can be
experienced only through spiritual realization (for example through
meditation).

4. The Sankhya Yoga system of philosophy states that there are two constituents of
reality- Prakriti and Purusha (matter and spirit).

5. The Sankhya states that the source (or creator) of the universe of matter is
Prakriti.

6. It is from Prakriti that all varieties in the universe evolve.

7. The components of Prakriti are the three characteristics of the universe, called
gunas which are:
(a) Sattva (b) Rajas (c) Tamas

8. Prakriti through the gunas not only binds but also liberates the soul or self
from bondage.

9. The nature of the gunas is as follows:
(a) Sattva represents all that is positive and good
(b) Rajas represents active nature
(c) Tamas represents passivity

PRAKRITI
(Cosmic Substance)


Gunas
(Constituents)

(1) Sattva (2) Rajas (3) Tamas
meaning: (1)reality/truth (2)energy (3)dullness
function: (1)integrity (2)dynamism (3)dullness
psychological: (1)illuminate (2)activate (3)obscure
manifestation: (1)pleasure (2)pain (3)indifference
(1)(happiness) (2)(action) (3)(heedlessness)
moral: (1)affection (2)desire (3)disinterested
psychic: (1)emancipation (2)affinity (3)breaking religious laws


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