Plurality of Purushas and the Diversity of Living Beings: A Philosophical Inquiry/ সাংখ্য বহুপুরুষবাদ ও জীব-জগতের বৈচিত্র্য : একটি দার্শনিক অনুসন্ধান

Abstract

Samkhya philosophy, an ancient and influential school of Indian thought, is fundamentally dualistic, positing two independent realities: Purusha (pure consciousness) and Prakriti (primordial matter). This research paper delves into Samkhya's unique doctrine of 'plurality of Purushas' and its profound implications for understanding the diversity of living beings. Unlike monistic traditions, Samkhya asserts the existence of multiple, distinct Purushas to logically explain the varied experiences of birth, death, enjoyment, suffering and liberation observed across individuals. The paper meticulously examines the foundational arguments for this plurality, drawing insights from classical texts like the Samkhya Karika and commentaries by revered scholars such as Vacaspati Misra and Vijnanabhikshu. Furthermore, it explores how Prakriti, composed of the three dynamic Gunas (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas), undergoes sequential evolution to manifest the diverse physical and mental forms of the cosmos. This intricate interplay between the numerous inactive Purushas and the active, ever-changing Prakriti provides a comprehensive framework to comprehend the vast spectrum of life's manifestations. The study highlights Samkhya's philosophical depth, its unique approach to causality and its ultimate aim to achieve liberation through the discerning knowledge of the distinction between Purusha and Prakriti. This paper seeks to illuminate the profound wisdom embedded within Samkhya thought, make its complex concepts accessible.