One of oldest of the great systems Philosophique S Hindus is the system sâmkhya (in Sanscrit, “enumeration”) or satkaryavada ( sat , “truth”; karya , “thing”; vada , “assertion”), whose basic principle consists in the determination and the research of the categories of Reality, through the enumeration of its multiple components. The founder was undoubtedly wise and mystical the Kapila , considered thereafter as the Réincarnation, according to the cases, of Agni, Krishna, or Vishnou. The doctrines of wise Kapila were transmitted through its successors until Isvarakrishna , compiler of the Sâmkhyakarika ( karika , “doctrinal stanzas”) at the 4th century or 5th century a. J. - C. In addition to Kapila and Isvarakrishna, the principal representatives of this school were Vacaspatimisra (9th century) and the anonymous author of the Sâmkya-sûtra (15th century).

Philosophical design of the Sâmkhya

In opposition to the design Moniste of the Upanishad (Brahmanism), the Sâmkhya is a primarily dualistic system. Fundamental realities, according to the Sâmkhya , are two, independent one of the other: the prakriti , the active ingredient but private of Conscience, main cause of the Universe, and the purusha , the intelligent, but passive principle