The Samkhya School of Hindu Philosophy

Description: The Samkhya School of Hindu Philosophy is one of the six orthodox schools of Indian philosophy. It is a dualistic system that posits two fundamental realities: purusha (consciousness) and prakriti (matter). The goal of Samkhya is to achieve liberation from suffering through the realization of the true nature of these two realities.
Number of Questions: 15
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What is the fundamental principle of the Samkhya School of Hindu Philosophy?

  1. The unity of consciousness and matter

  2. The duality of consciousness and matter

  3. The existence of a single, unchanging reality

  4. The existence of multiple, changing realities


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Samkhya School posits two fundamental realities: purusha (consciousness) and prakriti (matter). These two realities are distinct and independent of each other.

What is the goal of Samkhya?

  1. To achieve liberation from suffering

  2. To attain union with the divine

  3. To gain knowledge of the true nature of reality

  4. To experience the bliss of existence


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The goal of Samkhya is to achieve liberation from suffering through the realization of the true nature of purusha and prakriti.

What is purusha?

  1. Consciousness

  2. Matter

  3. The self

  4. The world


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Purusha is the conscious principle in Samkhya. It is pure awareness, devoid of any qualities or attributes.

What is prakriti?

  1. Consciousness

  2. Matter

  3. The self

  4. The world


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Prakriti is the material principle in Samkhya. It is the source of all physical and mental phenomena.

How does prakriti manifest itself?

  1. Through the three gunas

  2. Through the five elements

  3. Through the senses

  4. Through the mind


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Prakriti manifests itself through the three gunas: sattva (goodness), rajas (passion), and tamas (darkness). These gunas are the basic constituents of all physical and mental phenomena.

What is the relationship between purusha and prakriti?

  1. They are two independent realities

  2. They are two aspects of the same reality

  3. Purusha is superior to prakriti

  4. Prakriti is superior to purusha


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Purusha and prakriti are two distinct and independent realities. They are not related to each other in any way.

How can one achieve liberation from suffering?

  1. By realizing the true nature of purusha and prakriti

  2. By practicing yoga and meditation

  3. By performing good deeds

  4. By renouncing the world


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Liberation from suffering can be achieved by realizing the true nature of purusha and prakriti. This realization leads to the cessation of the identification of the self with prakriti and its products.

What is the role of yoga in Samkhya?

  1. It is a means to achieve liberation

  2. It is a way to control the mind and body

  3. It is a way to connect with the divine

  4. It is a way to experience the bliss of existence


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Yoga is a means to achieve liberation in Samkhya. It is a system of practices that helps to control the mind and body and to realize the true nature of purusha and prakriti.

Who is considered to be the founder of the Samkhya School of Hindu Philosophy?

  1. Kapila

  2. Patanjali

  3. Vyasa

  4. Shankara


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Kapila is considered to be the founder of the Samkhya School of Hindu Philosophy.

What is the name of the text that is considered to be the main scripture of the Samkhya School of Hindu Philosophy?

  1. The Samkhya Karika

  2. The Bhagavad Gita

  3. The Upanishads

  4. The Vedas


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Samkhya Karika is considered to be the main scripture of the Samkhya School of Hindu Philosophy.

Which of the following is not a category of existence in Samkhya philosophy?

  1. Purusha

  2. Prakriti

  3. Mahat

  4. Ahamkara


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Ahamkara is not a category of existence in Samkhya philosophy.

What is the term for the process of evolution in Samkhya philosophy?

  1. Prakriti-vikara

  2. Purusha-prakriti

  3. Mahat-ahamkara

  4. Ahamkara-indriya


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Prakriti-vikara is the term for the process of evolution in Samkhya philosophy.

Which of the following is not a guna in Samkhya philosophy?

  1. Sattva

  2. Rajas

  3. Tamas

  4. Dharma


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Dharma is not a guna in Samkhya philosophy.

What is the term for the state of liberation in Samkhya philosophy?

  1. Moksha

  2. Kaivalya

  3. Videha-mukti

  4. Jivan-mukti


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Kaivalya is the term for the state of liberation in Samkhya philosophy.

Which of the following is not a means to achieve liberation in Samkhya philosophy?

  1. Yoga

  2. Meditation

  3. Jnana

  4. Bhakti


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Bhakti is not a means to achieve liberation in Samkhya philosophy.

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