SB 3.26.50-72: Summary of the Sankhya Philosophical System

Hare Krsna,

While considering what to write for this forum topic, I was trying to meditate on the difference between the sankhya philosophy and bhakti yoga philosophy. My research led me to couple of wonderful sections in the 5^th chapter of The Bhagavad Gita. Verses 4-5 states:

“Only the ignorant speak of devotional service [karma-yoga] as being different from the analytical study of the material world [Sāṅkhya]. Those who are actually learned say that he who applies himself well to one of these paths achieves the results of both. One who knows that the position reached by means of analytical study can also be attained by devotional service, and who therefore sees analytical study and devotional service to be on the same level, sees things as they are.”

Srila Prabhupada provides a perfect summary in BG 5.4: “The aim of the analytical study of the material world is to find the soul of existence. The soul of the material world is Viṣṇu, or the Supersoul. Devotional service to the Lord entails service to the Supersoul. One process is to find the root of the tree, and the other is to water the root. The real student of Sāṅkhya philosophy finds the root of the material world, Viṣṇu, and then, in perfect knowledge, engages himself in the service of the Lord. Therefore, in essence, there is no difference between the two because the aim of both is Viṣṇu. Those who do not know the ultimate end say that the purposes of Sāṅkhya and karma-yoga are not the same, but one who is learned knows the unifying aim in these different processes.”

In the next purport, Srila Prabhupada explains, “The real purpose of philosophical research is to find the ultimate goal of life. Since the ultimate goal of life is self-realization, there is no difference between the conclusions reached by the two processes. By Sāṅkhya philosophical research one comes to the conclusion that a living entity is not a part and parcel of the material world but of the supreme spirit whole. Consequently, the spirit soul has nothing to do with the material world; his actions must be in some relation with the Supreme. When he acts in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, he is actually in his constitutional position. In the first process, Sāṅkhya, one has to become detached from matter, and in the devotional yoga process one has to attach himself to the work of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Factually, both processes are the same, although superficially one process appears to involve detachment and the other process appears to involve attachment. Detachment from matter and attachment to Kṛṣṇa are one and the same. One who can see this sees things as they are.”

What we studied and learned in SB 3.26 is no different. Here also we studied that the culmination of the analytical study of the material world is finding the source of everything. By nature, material nature, five gross elements, gross senses, subtle senses, etc., are inert. They cannot be aroused to function by themselves.  Only when they are linked with the Supreme Absolute Personality of Godhead do they become active. In other words, only the Supersoul activates everything and everyone to function properly.

SB 3.26.71: When a man is sleeping, all his material assets — namely the vital energy, the senses for recording knowledge, the senses for working, the mind and the intelligence — cannot arouse him. He can be aroused only when the Supersoul helps him.

This means that the Sankhya philosophy systems also ultimately leads to the Supersoul – or the source of all existence. It helps us discern matter from spirit very distinctly. This helps us to become detached from matter, become attached to the Supreme Lord through the process of devotional service. It helps us develop detachment (from matter) and knowledge (in the Absolute Truth).

SB 1.2.7: By rendering devotional service unto the Personality of Godhead, Śrī Kṛṣṇa, one immediately acquires causeless knowledge and detachment from the world.

Why do we need such detachment from matter? This is because, “as long as the mind is distracted towards the material, there is no possibility of concentrating one’s mind and intelligence upon the Supreme Personality of Godhead or His partial representation, Supersoul. In other words, one cannot concentrate one’s mind and energy upon the Supreme unless one is detached from the material world. Following detachment from the material world, one can actually attain transcendental knowledge of the Absolute Truth. As long as one is entangled in sense enjoyment, or material enjoyment, it is not possible to understand the Absolute Truth.” (SB 3.26.72 P)

In summary, the analytical study of the elements of material nature and the concentration of the mind upon the Supersoul are the sum and substance of the Sāṅkhya philosophical system. The perfection of this sāṅkhya-yoga culminates in devotional service unto the Absolute Truth. (SB 3.26.72 P)

Therefore, through devotion, detachment and advancement in spiritual knowledge acquired through concentrated devotional service, one should contemplate that Supersoul as present in this very body although simultaneously apart from it. (SB 3.26.72)

Studying this chapter carefully under the guidance of our experienced teachers and association of like-minded devotees has been a revelation in understanding the essence of Sankhya philosophy better – and that is to detach ourselves from material contamination and simply engage in devotional service to the Supreme Lord with perfect knowledge that He is the source of everything including this material nature. By viewing Sankhya philosophy from an impersonalist standpoint, we run the risk of staying under material illusion for a very long time to come thinking ourselves as products of matter. But understanding Sankhya philosophy from a personalist standpoint where the Supreme Lord is the source of everything, we can be liberated from that same material illusion.

All glories to Srila Prabhupada!