Samkhya Philosophy and Yoga: Understanding the Metaphysical Framework

Abstract

This paper examines the intricate relationship between Samkhya philosophy and yoga, exploring how these two interconnected systems of Indian thought provide a comprehensive metaphysical framework for understanding consciousness, reality, and liberation. Through an analysis of classical texts, particularly the Samkhya Karika and Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, this study demonstrates how Samkhya's theoretical foundation supports yoga's practical methodology. The research reveals that while Samkhya provides the metaphysical underpinnings through its dualistic cosmology of Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (primordial matter), yoga offers the systematic practice for achieving the discriminative knowledge necessary for liberation (kaivalya). This synthesis creates a unified philosophical system that addresses both theoretical understanding and practical application in the pursuit of spiritual realization.