Samkhya is the oldest among the philosophical systems and dates back to about 7c BC. Sage Kapila, the author of ‘Samkhya Sutra”, is considered to be the originator of this system. The text of Samkhya Sutra consists of 6 chapters and 537 sutras. It offers a framework for all levels of manifestation, from the subtlest to the grossest. Sankhya word comes from samyag akhyate, which literally means that which explains the whole. It is why, Sankhya may be found to deal with prakriti (matter), purusha (consciousness), buddhi or mahat (intelligence), ahamkara (I-am-ness), three gunas (elements of stability, activity, and lightness), mind (manas), cognitive and active senses (indriyas), and the five subtle and gross elements (earth, water, fire, air, and space).
Samkhya forms the philosophical basis for yoga of patanjali. Therefore, sometimes both Yoga and Sankhya can be grouped together, Yoga forming the practical methodology to achieve the goal, while samkhya providing the rational analysis of the truth.
The essentials related to sankhya system may be outlined as below
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