Samkhya: An Ancient Science of Nature and the Human Soul (Existence - Conscio...

No system of knowledge and spirituality in the world reveals human essence as clearly and directly as Sâmkhya.

The founder of Samkhya, Kapila, is mentioned in the Vedas as a legendary figure - the first-born sage (rishi). The teaching handed down to us as Samkhya is but a remnant of the oldest system of knowledge in the world. Its roots go back to the pre-Vedic age, as do those of yoga, which originated from Samkhya. Yoga is the practical application of theoretical underpinnings derived from Samkhya.

Much of Indian philosophy is based on the concepts found in Samkhya. Samkhya is the first fundamental ontology: the science of being and cognition. The basis for Samkhya lies in differentiating Purusha and Prakriti; that is, the human soul and nature. Samkhya provides the oldest and clearest differentiation of consciousness.

This book not only presents the teachings of classical Samkhya but also attempts to reconstruct Samkhya in its modern form, factoring in the contributions of science. We learn that Samkhya is the oldest theoretical model for intelligent design; namely, the teaching that consciousness (Purusha) is the basis for all creation in the universe (Prakriti) and that this same consciousness is the human’s essence or soul.

Samkhya offers evidence from analyzing all the categories of nature. This book presents the broadest presentation of nature’s categories in the light of modern knowledge. Samkhya gives us a thoroughly modern understanding of all the categories of nature (Prakriti) in all its dimensions and elements, organic or inorganic. Further, it provides understanding of the nature of human personality (Aham-kara), which becomes fully realized through in-body and out-of-body experiences. The human personality belongs to nature but also transcends it. It also provides understanding of the nature of the intellect (Buddhi) that connects nature with transcendental consciousness of the soul (Purusha).

Samkhya demonstrates that in order to attain perfect understanding of the soul's transcendental consciousness, the first and foremost requirement is perfect objective understanding of nature in all dimensions. Proper understanding of both nature and soul consciousness is required, for the are mutually intertwined.

The proper goal of scientific progress is to realize the complete manifestation of soul consciousness as an observable entity, which is only achievable through a perfect scientific understanding of natural laws. Only through the proper understanding of natural laws can proper understanding of consciousness as ’s Self be attained.

Samkhya differentiates the consciousness of nature (Prakriti) from human essence (the Soul) using the broadest perspective - completely objective and without metaphysical digression, symbolism, or mythologizing.

The issue of human impact (as the conscious subject) on reality is not just a modern question from experimental physics. It was addressed by Samkhya thousands of years ago in a much more meaningful way. The knowledge of Samkhya is so objective it could serve as the benchmark for today's science.

Sâmkhya, as true science, deals only with consciousness and the nature of existence. This science of consciousness preceded all religions and was not just theoretical but practical as well. It gave rise to the scientific practice behind the systematic sanctification of man: yoga, which is summarized in Patanjali's work, Yoga Sutras.

This present book demonstrates that Sâmkhya was the first science to address man as the conscious subject and shaper of reality. It remains unsurpassed in elegance by any contemporary approach.

Objective knowledge about man and nature as given in the teachings of Samkhya is needed more today than ever before in history.