0

Samkhya Philosophy: The Concept of Prakriti

Description: Samkhya Philosophy: The Concept of Prakriti
Number of Questions: 14
Created by:
Tags: indian philosophy samkhya philosophy
Attempted 0/14 Correct 0 Score 0

According to Samkhya philosophy, what is the fundamental principle that underlies all existence?

  1. Purusha

  2. Prakriti

  3. Atman

  4. Brahman


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

In Samkhya philosophy, Prakriti is the fundamental principle that underlies all existence. It is the material cause of the universe and is responsible for its creation, maintenance, and dissolution.

What are the three gunas of Prakriti?

  1. Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas

  2. Dharma, Artha, and Kama

  3. Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva

  4. Purusha, Prakriti, and Atman


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The three gunas of Prakriti are Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. Sattva is the quality of purity, goodness, and light. Rajas is the quality of passion, activity, and energy. Tamas is the quality of darkness, ignorance, and inertia.

What is the relationship between Purusha and Prakriti?

  1. Purusha is the active principle and Prakriti is the passive principle

  2. Purusha is the conscious principle and Prakriti is the material principle

  3. Purusha is the male principle and Prakriti is the female principle

  4. Purusha is the eternal principle and Prakriti is the temporal principle


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

In Samkhya philosophy, Purusha is the conscious principle and Prakriti is the material principle. Purusha is the witness or observer of Prakriti, while Prakriti is the object of Purusha's observation.

What is the goal of Samkhya philosophy?

  1. To achieve liberation from the cycle of rebirth

  2. To attain union with the divine

  3. To gain knowledge of the true nature of reality

  4. To experience the bliss of Brahman


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The goal of Samkhya philosophy is to gain knowledge of the true nature of reality. This knowledge is achieved through meditation and self-inquiry, which lead to the realization of the distinction between Purusha and Prakriti.

Who is considered the founder of Samkhya philosophy?

  1. Kapila

  2. Patanjali

  3. Vyasa

  4. Shankara


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Kapila is considered the founder of Samkhya philosophy. He is said to have lived in the 6th century BCE and is credited with writing the Samkhya Karika, a foundational text of Samkhya philosophy.

What is the role of the intellect (buddhi) in Samkhya philosophy?

  1. It discriminates between Purusha and Prakriti

  2. It is the instrument of knowledge

  3. It is the seat of consciousness

  4. It is the source of all action


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The intellect (buddhi) is the instrument of knowledge in Samkhya philosophy. It discriminates between Purusha and Prakriti, and it is through the intellect that Purusha becomes aware of the world.

What is the role of the ego (ahamkara) in Samkhya philosophy?

  1. It creates the sense of individuality

  2. It is the source of all desires

  3. It is the seat of consciousness

  4. It is the instrument of action


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The ego (ahamkara) is responsible for creating the sense of individuality in Samkhya philosophy. It is through the ego that we experience ourselves as separate from the rest of the world.

What is the role of the mind (manas) in Samkhya philosophy?

  1. It is the seat of consciousness

  2. It is the instrument of thought

  3. It is the source of all desires

  4. It is the instrument of action


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The mind (manas) is the instrument of thought in Samkhya philosophy. It is through the mind that we are able to think, reason, and make decisions.

What is the role of the senses (indriyas) in Samkhya philosophy?

  1. They are the instruments of perception

  2. They are the source of all desires

  3. They are the seat of consciousness

  4. They are the instrument of action


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The senses (indriyas) are the instruments of perception in Samkhya philosophy. They allow us to perceive the world around us and to interact with it.

What is the role of action (kriya) in Samkhya philosophy?

  1. It is the source of all suffering

  2. It is the means to achieve liberation

  3. It is the instrument of knowledge

  4. It is the seat of consciousness


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Action (kriya) is the source of all suffering in Samkhya philosophy. It is through action that we become attached to the world and to the fruits of our actions, which leads to suffering.

What is the role of knowledge (jnana) in Samkhya philosophy?

  1. It is the means to achieve liberation

  2. It is the source of all suffering

  3. It is the instrument of action

  4. It is the seat of consciousness


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Knowledge (jnana) is the means to achieve liberation in Samkhya philosophy. It is through knowledge that we come to understand the true nature of reality and to realize our own true nature as Purusha.

What is the role of liberation (moksha) in Samkhya philosophy?

  1. It is the goal of Samkhya philosophy

  2. It is the means to achieve knowledge

  3. It is the source of all suffering

  4. It is the instrument of action


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Liberation (moksha) is the goal of Samkhya philosophy. It is the state of freedom from suffering and attachment to the world, and it is achieved through the realization of the true nature of reality.

What is the relationship between Samkhya philosophy and Yoga philosophy?

  1. They are two different schools of thought

  2. They are two different aspects of the same philosophy

  3. They are two different religions

  4. They are two different ways of life


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Samkhya philosophy and Yoga philosophy are two different aspects of the same philosophy. Samkhya philosophy provides the theoretical framework for Yoga philosophy, while Yoga philosophy provides the practical methods for achieving liberation.

What is the influence of Samkhya philosophy on other Indian philosophies?

  1. It has influenced the development of Buddhism

  2. It has influenced the development of Jainism

  3. It has influenced the development of Vedanta

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Samkhya philosophy has influenced the development of Buddhism, Jainism, and Vedanta. Its concepts of Purusha, Prakriti, and the three gunas have been adopted and adapted by these other Indian philosophies.

- Hide questions