0The Process of Evolution in Sankhya Philosophy
In Sankhya philosophy, creation evolves through the interaction of Purusha (pure consciousness) and Prakriti (primordial matter). Prakriti, composed of the three Gunas—Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas—undergoes transformation when influenced by Purusha.
-
Prakriti evolves first into Intellect (Buddhi), guiding right (Dharma) and wrong (Adharma) actions.
-
From Intellect arises Ego (Ahamkara), which can be Sattvic (pure), Rajasic (active), or Tamasic (inert).
-
Depending on the dominance of these Gunas:
-
Sattva leads to the Mind, Jnyanendriyas (sense organs), and Karmendriyas (organs of action).
-
Rajas energizes both Sattva and Tamas for further evolution.
-
Tamas gives rise to Tanmatras (subtle elements) and ultimately the Mahabhutas (gross elements—ether, air, fire, water, and earth).
-
This structured evolution explains how the subtle leads to the gross, starting from consciousness and ending in the material world.
