Indian Philosophy: Samkhya

Description: This quiz is designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of the Samkhya school of Indian philosophy. The questions cover various aspects of Samkhya, including its fundamental principles, concepts, and theories.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: indian philosophy samkhya metaphysics epistemology
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According to Samkhya, what is the ultimate reality?

  1. Purusha

  2. Prakriti

  3. Atman

  4. Brahman


Correct Option:
Explanation:

In Samkhya philosophy, the ultimate reality is composed of two fundamental principles: Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter).

What is the nature of Purusha in Samkhya?

  1. Consciousness

  2. Matter

  3. Activity

  4. Intelligence


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Purusha is pure consciousness, devoid of any qualities or attributes. It is the unchanging, eternal, and inactive principle.

What is the nature of Prakriti in Samkhya?

  1. Consciousness

  2. Matter

  3. Activity

  4. Intelligence


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Prakriti is the material principle that constitutes the universe. It is composed of three gunas (qualities): sattva (goodness), rajas (passion), and tamas (darkness).

What is the relationship between Purusha and Prakriti?

  1. They are independent of each other.

  2. They are mutually dependent.

  3. They are identical.

  4. They are opposed to each other.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Purusha and Prakriti are mutually dependent. Purusha provides consciousness to Prakriti, while Prakriti provides the material basis for Purusha's experience.

What is the goal of Samkhya philosophy?

  1. Moksha (liberation)

  2. Artha (wealth)

  3. Kama (pleasure)

  4. Dharma (righteousness)


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The ultimate goal of Samkhya philosophy is to achieve moksha (liberation), which is the state of complete freedom from suffering and the cycle of rebirth.

What is the role of yoga in Samkhya philosophy?

  1. It is a method of achieving moksha.

  2. It is a system of physical exercises.

  3. It is a form of meditation.

  4. It is a way of life.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Yoga, in Samkhya philosophy, is a method of achieving moksha through the control of the mind and the senses.

What are the three gunas in Samkhya philosophy?

  1. Sattva, rajas, and tamas

  2. Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva

  3. Prakriti, Purusha, and Atman

  4. Dharma, artha, and kama


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The three gunas in Samkhya philosophy are sattva (goodness), rajas (passion), and tamas (darkness). They are the fundamental qualities of Prakriti and determine the nature of the material world.

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

  1. It is the faculty of discrimination.

  2. It is the faculty of memory.

  3. It is the faculty of will.

  4. It is the faculty of perception.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The intellect (buddhi) in Samkhya philosophy is the faculty of discrimination. It distinguishes between Purusha and Prakriti and between the different qualities of Prakriti.

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

  1. It is the sense of self.

  2. It is the faculty of reason.

  3. It is the faculty of perception.

  4. It is the faculty of memory.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The ego (ahamkara) in Samkhya philosophy is the sense of self. It is the principle that identifies the individual with the body and the mind.

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

  1. They are the instruments of perception.

  2. They are the instruments of action.

  3. They are the instruments of knowledge.

  4. They are the instruments of liberation.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The senses (indriyas) in Samkhya philosophy are the instruments of perception. They allow the individual to experience the material world.

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

  1. It is the faculty of thought.

  2. It is the faculty of memory.

  3. It is the faculty of will.

  4. It is the faculty of perception.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The mind (manas) in Samkhya philosophy is the faculty of thought. It is the principle that allows the individual to think, reason, and make decisions.

What is the role of the citta in Samkhya philosophy?

  1. It is the storehouse of impressions.

  2. It is the faculty of memory.

  3. It is the faculty of will.

  4. It is the faculty of perception.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The citta in Samkhya philosophy is the storehouse of impressions. It is the principle that stores the impressions of past experiences and influences the individual's behavior.

What is the role of the atman in Samkhya philosophy?

  1. It is the individual self.

  2. It is the universal self.

  3. It is the supreme self.

  4. It is the transcendental self.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The atman in Samkhya philosophy is the individual self. It is the principle that identifies the individual as a distinct entity.

What is the role of the brahman in Samkhya philosophy?

  1. It is the universal self.

  2. It is the supreme self.

  3. It is the transcendental self.

  4. It is the individual self.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The brahman in Samkhya philosophy is the universal self. It is the principle that unites all individuals and is the source of all existence.

What is the role of the ishvara in Samkhya philosophy?

  1. It is the supreme self.

  2. It is the transcendental self.

  3. It is the individual self.

  4. It is the universal self.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The ishvara in Samkhya philosophy is the supreme self. It is the principle that governs the universe and is the source of all order and harmony.

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