UPSC Exam  >  UPSC Notes  >  Philosophy Optional Notes for UPSC  >  Purusa (Sâmkhya)

Purusa (Sâmkhya) | Philosophy Optional Notes for UPSC PDF Download

Introduction Introduction to Purusa


  • Purusa, a Sanskrit term, translates to "spirit," "self," or "consciousness."
  • It's a core concept in Sâmkhya philosophy, an orthodox school of Hindu thought.
  • Purusa is viewed as an eternal, unchanging, immaterial spirit.

Historical Context

  • Sâmkhya is one of the oldest dualistic schools of Hindu philosophy.
  • The concept of Purusa appears in ancient texts, including Jaina and Buddhist scriptures.
  • Although attributed to Maharshi Kapila, the exact timeline is uncertain.

Importance in Sâmkhya Philosophy

  • In Sâmkhya, Purusa is one of two independent principles, the other being Prakriti (nature or matter).
  • Purusa is all-conscious, all-pervasive, and motionless.
  • It serves as the witness-consciousness, contrasting Prakriti, which forms the phenomenal universe.

Preliminary Concepts

  • Purusa is often compared with Prakriti, the fundamental matter of the universe.
  • Prakriti is influenced by three gunas: sattva, rajas, and tamas.
  • The interplay between Purusa and Prakriti is crucial for the chain of evolution.

Objectives of Studying Purusa

  • Understanding the dualistic nature of reality in Sâmkhya philosophy.
  • Gaining insights into the eternal aspects of consciousness.
  • Exploring the Purusa-Prakriti relationship to grasp the nature of existence.

Conceptual Foundations of Purusa Definition and Nature of Purusa


  • Purusa is a complex term in Sâmkhya, often translated as "soul" or "consciousness."
  • It's considered the ultimate reality, distinct from the material world (Prakrti).
  • Purusa is beyond emotions, thoughts, and the external world.

Purusa and Consciousness

  • While Purusa is associated with consciousness, it extends beyond it.
  • In Sâmkhya, Purusa is the ultimate observer unaffected by emotions or external factors.

Purusa and Soul

  • Purusa differs from the soul in Western philosophy.
  • In Sâmkhya, the soul is part of Prakrti and mutable, while Purusa is the eternal, unchanging true self.

Theories of Origin

  • In Sâmkhya, Purusa has no origin; it's eternal.
  • Some texts suggest Purusa emerged from a cosmic egg.

Purusa in Ancient Texts

  • The Rigveda mentions Purusa as a cosmic being.
  • The Upanishads equate Purusa with ultimate reality or Brahman.

Relation with Prakrti

  • Sâmkhya is a dualistic philosophy, separating Purusa and Prakrti.
  • Although distinct, they interact to create experienced reality.
  • Understanding this distinction is key to liberation (moksha) in Sâmkhya.

The 25 Tattvas and Purusa The Hierarchy of Tattvas


  • Originating from Sâmkhya, Tattvas categorize existence into 25 elements.
  • Prakriti, in its base state, has three gunas: sattva, rajas, and tamas.
  • When disrupted, Prakriti evolves into 23 other Tattvas.

Purusa as the 25th Tattva

  • Defined as witness-consciousness, absolute, independent, and beyond perception.
  • In Sâmkhya, Purusa is the 25th Tattva and the experiencer.
  • It's free, beyond mind and senses, and indescribable.

Distinctions from Other Tattvas

  • Purusa is distinct from internal organs (Antahkaranas), organs of knowledge (Jnanendriyas), and organs of action (Karmendriyas).

Role in Liberation

  • Purusa serves as a witness-consciousness beyond perception.
  • Understanding Purusa's nature and distinction from Prakriti leads to liberation.

Interactions with Prakrti’s Tattvas

  • Contact with Purusa disrupts Prakriti's guna balance.
  • This leads to sensory experience and cognition.
  • Purusa experiences these manifestations, crucial in interaction with Prakriti's Tattvas.

Additional Contexts

  • Shuddhashuddha Tattvas in Shaivite and Shakta Tantric metaphysics.
  • Kashmir Shaivite Cosmology views Tattvas as stages of Involution.

Purusa in Classical Texts Purusa in the Sâmkhya Karika


  • Attributed to Ishvarakrishna, circa 3rd to 4th century CE.
  • Emphasizes the distinction between Purusa and Prakriti.
  • Liberation achieved through discerning Purusa from Prakriti.

Interpretations in the Sâmkhya Sutra

  • Attributed to Kapila, elaborated by later scholars.
  • Uncertain date, possibly between the 6th to 14th century CE.
  • Explores multiple Purusas and emphasizes meditation.

Purusa in the Mahabharata

  • Traditionally attributed to Vyasa, composed between 400 BCE and 400 CE.
  • Contextualized Purusa within dharma and karma.
  • Role in the Purusha Sukta and the Bhagavad Gita as the eternal self.

Purusa in the Bhagavad Gita

  • Part of the Mahabharata, attributed to Vyasa.
  • Estimated to be from the 2nd century BCE to 2nd century CE.
  • Portrays Purusa as the eternal soul, distinct from the body.
  • Emphasizes devotion (bhakti) for realizing Purusa.

Comparative Analysis of Textual References

  • Table comparing key points on Purusa in various texts.

Purusa and the Three Gunas The Nature of Gunas


  • Gunas are fundamental qualities constituting Prakriti.
  • Three types: Sattva (purity), Rajas (action), and Tamas (darkness).
  • Gunas constantly interact and flux.

Purusa’s Relationship with Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas

  • Purusa aligns most closely with Sattva, creating harmony and aiding realization.
  • Rajas influences Purusa but causes restlessness.
  • Tamas aligns the least and leads to inertia, hindering realization.
  • Balancing the Gunas is vital for Purusa's realization.

The Gunas as Obstacles

  • Sattva, while beneficial, can create attachment to happiness and knowledge.
  • Rajas results in endless cycles of action and reaction.
  • Tamas causes delusion and ignorance.
  • Overcoming these requires discernment and self-awareness.

Liberation through Understanding the Gunas

  • Sattva, when aligned, facilitates realization but may lead to attachment.
  • Rajas obscures realization due to restlessness.
  • Tamas hinders realization through ignorance and inertia.

Comparative Philosophies Purusa in Vedanta


  • Vedanta equates Purusa with Brahman, emphasizing non-duality.
  • Focuses on the unity of Atman (individual soul) and Brahman (universal soul).

Purusa in Yoga Philosophy

  • Yoga philosophy emphasizes practical aspects like meditation and ethics.
  • Focuses on meditation, ethical conduct (Yamas and Niyamas), and union with Purusa.

Purusa and Atman

  • In some systems, Purusa and Atman are synonymous.
  • In Sâmkhya, they're distinct, with Purusa as the conscious principle and Atman related to the soul.

Purusa and Brahman

  • Purusa in Sâmkhya is the individual self; Brahman in Vedanta is the universal self.
  • Vedanta equates Purusa and Brahman, highlighting non-duality.

Comparative Analysis with Other Philosophical Concepts

  • Comparisons with the soul in Abrahamic religions and the self in Western philosophy.
  • Buddhism lacks an eternal self concept, distinguishing it from Purusa.

Criticisms and Debates Criticisms by Buddhist Philosophers


  • Buddhists reject the eternal Purusa, contradicting their principle of “Anatta” (No-Self).
  • Purusa is viewed as a form of “Atman,” opposing Buddhist beliefs in impermanence and interconnectedness.

Criticisms by Nyaya Philosophers

  • Nyaya school criticizes Purusa, advocating for empirical evidence and logical understanding.
  • They question the metaphysical assumptions and demand empirical backing.

Modern Criticisms

  • Modern scholars challenge Purusa's relevance, suggesting it's outdated.
  • Some argue it might have been a tool for social hierarchies in ancient India.

Debates on the Plurality of Purusa

  • Debate on single universal Purusa versus multiple Purusas affects interpretations of dharma and karma.

Rebuttals and Counterarguments

  • Proponents argue Purusa is metaphysical, offering a framework for understanding human experience.
  • Texts like Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita support Purusa’s role in understanding reality and the self.

Purusa and Psychology Purusa and the Mind


  • Purusa is the unchanging self, distinct from the mutable mind.
  • Sankhya philosophy posits a dualism between Purusa and Prakriti, where the mind falls under Prakriti.
  • Some psychological mindfulness practices draw inspiration from Purusa as a detached observer.

Purusa and Cognitive Science

  • Explored in consciousness studies, especially non-dual awareness.
  • Some cognitive models propose a 'central executive' akin to Purusa.
  • Attempts made to find neural correlates of Purusa despite its metaphysical nature.

Purusa and Consciousness Studies

  • Purusa relates to qualia—subjective experiences known only to the conscious self.
  • In Advaita Vedanta, Purusa is identified with Brahman, leading to a non-dual state of consciousness.
  • Incorporated into transpersonal psychology, exploring spiritual aspects of the human psyche.

Psychological Models Based on Purusa

  • Jungian Archetypes echo Purusa, representing wholeness.
  • Elements of CBT, like detached mindfulness, align with the Purusa concept.
  • Positive psychology’s focus on the 'authentic self' parallels Purusa's unchanging nature.

Empirical Studies

  • Mindfulness practices inspired by Purusa reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
  • Limited empirical studies aim to find neural correlates of concepts like Purusa.
  • Therapeutic approaches incorporate an 'inner observer,' akin to Purusa, for mental health treatment.

Purusa and Ethics Ethical Implications of Purusa


  • Metaphysical Purusa distinct from Prakriti.
  • Influences ethical theories like deontological ethics and virtue ethics.

Purusa and Dharma

  • Dharma, cosmic law, relates to Purusa.
  • Purusa's role in establishing Dharma and its ethical implications.
  • Dharma and liberation of Purusa (Moksha) interconnected.

Purusa and Moral Responsibility

  • Concept of Karma and its relationship with Purusa.
  • Purusa as the observer influences moral actions and responsibility.
  • Ethical duties intertwined with understanding Purusa's nature.

Ethical Debates Surrounding Purusa

  • Criticisms include lack of empirical evidence and ethical relativism.
  • Philosophical defenses argue for Purusa's metaphysical nature.
  • Ethical frameworks, including deontological ethics, influenced by Purusa.

Purusa and Liberation (Moksha) The Concept of Moksha


  • Moksha signifies liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara).
  • Related to Atman realization, it's the highest form of Dharma.

The Role of Purusa in Moksha

  • Purusa, the cosmic spirit, distinct from Prakriti.
  • Liberation achieved by realizing the Purusa-Prakriti distinction.
  • Purusa as the eternal observer leading to Moksha.

Paths to Liberation

  • Jnana Yoga: Path of knowledge and wisdom.
  • Bhakti Yoga: Path of devotion.
  • Karma Yoga: Path of selfless action.
  • Raja Yoga: Path of intense meditation.
  • Tantra: Esoteric path involving specialized practices.

The State of Liberated Purusa

  • Beyond the cycle of birth and death.
  • Union with the divine or ultimate reality.
  • A state of eternal bliss and happiness.
  • Freedom from the binding effects of karma.
  • Eternal consciousness, free from material attachments.

Conclusion


  • Purusa, fundamental in Sankhya and Yoga philosophies, explains consciousness, cosmic evolution, and liberation.
  • Interacts with Prakriti, essential for existence, and explored in classical texts like the Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita.
  • Criticized by Buddhism and Nyaya philosophy, countered by proponents citing its metaphysical nature.
  • Influences ethics, psychology, and consciousness studies, offering diverse perspectives on human existence and spirituality.
The document Purusa (Sâmkhya) | Philosophy Optional Notes for UPSC is a part of the UPSC Course Philosophy Optional Notes for UPSC.
All you need of UPSC at this link: UPSC
144 docs

Top Courses for UPSC

144 docs
Download as PDF
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Top Courses for UPSC

Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev
Related Searches

MCQs

,

Extra Questions

,

Sample Paper

,

mock tests for examination

,

shortcuts and tricks

,

Summary

,

Free

,

pdf

,

Purusa (Sâmkhya) | Philosophy Optional Notes for UPSC

,

Viva Questions

,

practice quizzes

,

study material

,

video lectures

,

Previous Year Questions with Solutions

,

Purusa (Sâmkhya) | Philosophy Optional Notes for UPSC

,

Purusa (Sâmkhya) | Philosophy Optional Notes for UPSC

,

ppt

,

Objective type Questions

,

Exam

,

past year papers

,

Important questions

,

Semester Notes

;