9.2 The evolution of the universe in Sāṃkhya
2 min read•july 25, 2024
Sāṃkhya philosophy explains how the universe came to be through the interaction of Prakṛti and Puruṣa. This cosmic dance begins when the equilibrium of Prakṛti's three is disturbed, triggering a cascade of evolutes from subtle to gross.
The unfolds in stages, starting with cosmic intelligence and progressing to the physical world. Throughout this process, the guṇas play a crucial role, shaping the qualities of each evolute and driving the cosmic cycles of creation and dissolution.
The Evolution of the Universe in Sāṃkhya Philosophy
Evolution of universe in Sāṃkhya
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- Prakṛti functions as primordial material cause exists in unmanifest state (avyakta) composed of three guṇas (, , ) in equilibrium
- Disturbance of equilibrium initiates evolution process triggered by proximity of Puruṣa
- (Buddhi) emerges as first evolute from Prakṛti represents cosmic intelligence or intellect
- (ego-principle) develops from Mahat introduces principle of individuation
- Subtle elements () form include sound (śabda), touch (sparśa), form (rūpa), taste (rasa), smell (gandha)
- Gross elements () created comprise ether (ākāśa), air (vāyu), fire (tejas), water (ap), earth (pṛthivī)
- Sense organs and motor organs develop from subtle elements
- Physical universe forms as culmination of evolutionary process
Stages of cosmic evolution
- Mahat (Buddhi) manifests cosmic intelligence facilitates discriminative faculty
- Ahaṃkāra emerges as principle of individuation exists in three types: sāttvika, rājasika, tāmasika
- (mind) develops coordinates sensory inputs mediates between sense organs and intellect
- (sense organs) evolve include eyes, ears, nose, tongue, skin
- (motor organs) form comprise speech, hands, feet, excretory organs, reproductive organs
- Tanmātras (subtle elements) arise as precursors to gross elements
- Mahābhūtas (gross elements) manifest constitute physical world
Role of Prakṛti and guṇas
- Prakṛti serves as eternal and uncaused material source of all
- Three guṇas - sattva (illumination, lightness, harmony), rajas (activity, passion, motion), tamas (inertia, heaviness, obstruction) - interact and influence evolution
- Guṇa equilibrium maintains unmanifest Prakṛti while disequilibrium triggers evolution
- Guṇas determine qualities of each tattva (principle) shape characteristics of physical and mental phenomena
- Guṇa fluctuations drive cosmic cycles creating periods of manifestation and dissolution
Universe evolution vs Puruṣa
- Puruṣa exists as distinct conscious principle multiple Puruṣas recognized in Sāṃkhya
- Puruṣa-Prakṛti interaction occurs through proximity without direct contact
- Evolution serves to provide experiences for Puruṣa and facilitate liberation ()
- Bondage results from misidentification of Puruṣa with Prakṛti's evolutes liberation achieved through discriminative knowledge
- Teleological aspect emphasizes evolution serves purpose of Puruṣa Prakṛti acts for Puruṣa's sake
- Individual manifestation associates each Puruṣa with unique psychophysical complex reflects cosmic evolution on microcosmic scale
Key Terms to Review (19)
Ahaṃkāra: Ahaṃkāra is a Sanskrit term that translates to 'ego' or 'I-making' and refers to the sense of individuality or self-identity that arises in human consciousness. In the context of Sāṃkhya philosophy, ahaṃkāra plays a crucial role in the evolution of the universe, as it represents the aspect of consciousness that identifies with the material world and differentiates the self from others. This identification contributes to the formation of the individual psyche and leads to various experiences and actions influenced by one’s perception of self.
Dualism: Dualism is the philosophical concept that posits the existence of two distinct and fundamentally different substances or realities, often referred to as the mental and the physical. In various Indian philosophical traditions, especially in Sāṃkhya and Vedānta, dualism highlights the separation between consciousness (Purusha) and matter (Prakriti), impacting views on the universe's evolution, causation, liberation, and comparative philosophical systems.
Evolution: In the context of Indian philosophy, evolution refers to the process by which the universe, consciousness, and individual entities develop and transform over time. This concept is central to understanding how Prakṛti (the material world) and Puruṣa (the pure consciousness) interact, leading to the unfolding of existence and various states of being.
Guṇas: Guṇas are fundamental qualities or attributes that characterize all beings and the material world according to Sāṃkhya philosophy. These three guṇas—sattva (goodness, harmony), rajas (passion, activity), and tamas (darkness, inertia)—play a crucial role in understanding the evolution of the universe and the nature of existence. Each guṇa influences behavior, perception, and the unfolding of cosmic phenomena, forming the foundation of all material interactions and transformations.
Jñānendriyas: Jñānendriyas, in Sāṃkhya philosophy, refers to the sensory organs or faculties of perception through which knowledge is acquired. These are the means by which individuals interact with the world around them, allowing them to gain sensory information and understand their environment. In the context of Sāṃkhya, these faculties play a crucial role in the evolution of the universe by facilitating the interaction between puruṣa (consciousness) and prakṛti (nature).
Kaivalya: Kaivalya is a Sanskrit term that signifies the state of liberation or ultimate independence, often associated with the realization of one's true nature and the cessation of suffering. It represents the culmination of spiritual practice, particularly in Sāṃkhya and Yoga philosophies, where it is seen as the goal of life and the end of the cycle of birth and rebirth.
Kapila: Kapila is an important sage in Indian philosophy, primarily recognized as the founder of the Sāṃkhya school, which presents a systematic framework of understanding reality and existence. His teachings provide a foundational perspective on the dualistic nature of existence, particularly through the concepts of Prakṛti (nature) and Puruṣa (consciousness), influencing later philosophical thoughts, including those in Yoga.
Karmendriyas: Karmendriyas are the organs of action in Indian philosophy, specifically within the Sāṃkhya system. These are five sensory organs that enable individuals to interact with the world through actions like speaking, grasping, moving, and excreting. They play a crucial role in the evolution of the universe as they facilitate the manifestation of consciousness in physical form, bridging the internal experience with external actions.
Mahābhūtas: Mahābhūtas are the five great elements in Indian philosophy, which are considered the fundamental building blocks of the physical universe. These elements are earth (prithvī), water (apāna), fire (tejas), air (vāyu), and space or ether (ākāśa). Each element represents different qualities and plays a crucial role in the evolution of the universe, especially in Sāṃkhya philosophy, where they illustrate how the material world arises from a more subtle reality.
Mahat: Mahat, often translated as 'great' or 'intelligence', refers to a fundamental concept in Sāṃkhya philosophy that represents the cosmic principle of intelligence and the first manifestation of Prakṛti (nature). It is considered the source of the mind and the intellect, playing a crucial role in the evolution of the universe as it evolves from the unmanifested state into a more differentiated reality. Mahat is associated with both cosmic and individual consciousness, marking a significant step in the process of creation.
Manas: Manas refers to the mind or mental faculty in Indian philosophy, particularly within the Sāṃkhya school. It plays a crucial role in the understanding of consciousness and is considered the intermediary between perception and cognition, processing sensory inputs and facilitating thought. In the context of the evolution of the universe, manas is vital for the interaction of puruṣa (consciousness) and prakṛti (matter), enabling sentient beings to engage with their surroundings.
Manifestation: Manifestation refers to the process by which the unmanifested potentialities of Prakṛti (nature) become actualized into the observable universe. It connects deeply to the interplay between Prakṛti and Puruṣa (consciousness), highlighting how the material world emerges from the interplay of these two fundamental principles. Understanding manifestation helps to grasp how everything in the universe evolves and is experienced, showcasing the transition from pure potential to physical reality.
Materialism: Materialism is a philosophical viewpoint that emphasizes the importance of the physical world and material substances as the primary reality, asserting that everything, including consciousness and thoughts, arises from material interactions. This perspective contrasts with idealism, which posits that ideas or mental states are fundamental to understanding existence. In the context of Sāṃkhya, materialism plays a crucial role in explaining the evolution of the universe, focusing on how the material elements interact to create the diverse phenomena experienced in the world.
Rajas: Rajas is one of the three fundamental qualities or gunas in Indian philosophy, representing activity, energy, and dynamism. It is characterized by movement, passion, and restlessness, often driving individuals toward action and ambition. Rajas plays a crucial role in both the evolution of the universe and the understanding of the mind's nature, as it influences mental states and behaviors.
Sāṃkhya kārika: The sāṃkhya kārika is a foundational text of the Sāṃkhya philosophy, attributed to the philosopher Iśvarakṛṣṇa. It outlines the dualistic framework of reality, distinguishing between puruṣa (consciousness) and prakṛti (matter), while detailing the processes of creation and evolution of the universe. This text serves as a critical source for understanding the cosmological evolution in Sāṃkhya and provides insights into how it relates to the practices and theories found in Yoga philosophy.
Sattva: Sattva is one of the three gunas, or qualities, in Indian philosophy, representing purity, harmony, and balance. It is associated with lightness, knowledge, and mental clarity, often leading to a state of tranquility and well-being. This quality plays a crucial role in the evolution of the universe, influencing the nature of existence and consciousness, as well as in yoga psychology where it shapes the mind's tendencies and states.
Tamas: Tamas is one of the three gunas or qualities in Indian philosophy, particularly within Sāṃkhya and Yoga systems. It represents darkness, inertia, and ignorance, influencing the mind and behavior by causing lethargy, confusion, and a lack of motivation. Tamas interacts with the other gunas—sattva (purity) and rajas (activity)—to shape human experience and the nature of the mind, ultimately affecting how individuals perceive and engage with the universe.
Tanmātras: Tanmātras are the subtle elements or essence of the five great elements (Mahābhūtas) in Sāṃkhya philosophy, which are earth, water, fire, air, and ether. These subtle forms serve as the foundational building blocks of all matter in the universe and represent the sensory experiences associated with each of these elements. Understanding tanmātras is essential for grasping how the universe evolves from a state of pure potentiality to the manifestation of tangible forms.
Tattvas: Tattvas are fundamental principles or elements in Indian philosophy that explain the nature of reality and existence. In the context of Sāṃkhya, these tattvas represent the various stages in the evolution of the universe, outlining how the interplay between consciousness (Purusha) and matter (Prakriti) leads to the manifestation of the material world.