In the realms of Samkhya and Classical Yoga, as presented in the Yoga Sutras, the concepts of Purusha (soul or consciousness) and Prakriti (matter or nature) form the basis of their dualistic philosophy. This distinction, pivotal in these philosophical systems, is often not fully grasped by contemporary yoga instructors. The idea of dualism represented through Purusha and Prakriti, has been a cornerstone in Western religious thought for thousands of years. It is analogous to the metaphor of the clockmaker (representing Purusha, the divine consciousness) and the clock (symbolizing Prakriti, the material world).
Samkhya philosophy articulates this dualism through the independent existence of Purusha and Prakriti. Purusha signifies the soul or pure consciousness, while Prakriti represents everything created, encompassing the material universe and all its transformations.
In the context of Samkhya, Purusha and Prakriti do not share a creator-created relationship. In fact, Purusha, if capable of preference, would choose to remain separate from Prakriti. However, it is the presence of Purusha that brings life to Prakriti. Samkhya proposes the existence of multiple, eternal, and immutable Purushas, with no single Purusha dominating the others. Prakriti, being everything mutable and unconscious, includes physical entities and the senses, thoughts, and intelligence.
The amalgamation of these entities is portrayed as a cosmic error, leading to the entrapment of Purusha within the realms of Prakriti. This entanglement is metaphorically likened to folk stories where characters get caught in their own misadventures. The resolution, as per these philosophies, is the disentanglement or ‘divorce’ of Purusha from Prakriti, achievable through dedicated yoga practice.
Contrasting common perceptions of yoga as a unifying practice, in the context of Purusha and Prakriti, Samkhya and Classical Yoga aim to separate these entities. This separation is vital to liberation from the cycles of existence and suffering.
Individuals are seen as compositions of both entities. While the physical body and mind are aspects of Prakriti, Purusha embodies the individual’s core essence. The spiritual quest involves aligning with the immutable Purusha and releasing attachment to the transient Prakriti.
This philosophy emphasizes transcending identification with changeable, physical, or mental aspects (Prakriti) and realizing our true essence as Purusha. This involves shedding attachments to physical and mental identities and embracing the unchanging soul.
Exploring Purusha entails overcoming the resistance posed by our Prakriti nature. The philosophy cautions against extreme behaviors that neglect or harm the physical self, underscoring the need for harmony between the two aspects.
The gendering of Purusha (as masculine) and Prakriti (as feminine) within this philosophy has been subject to criticism for potentially perpetuating gender stereotypes.
The teachings advocate for a balance between dichotomies such as masculine/feminine, stability/change, and spirit/nature. The focus is on recognizing the ephemeral nature of our physical and mental states and connecting with the constant Purusha within.
Adapting these concepts into everyday life involves seeking a balance between these two aspects and discerning our roles as facets of Prakriti, distinct from our true selves, Purusha. This journey calls for introspection and a deeper connection with our core soul, which is in harmony with universal energies.
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