Samkhya, the most ancient of Indian phiolosophical systems has been most widely referred to and least closely studied in Indian philosophy mainly because its early source-books arelost. The author has gone through the texts of Mahabharata, Bhagavata Purana, Caraka Samhita, Buddha Carita, Ahirbudhnya Samhita to trace the Samkhya ideas. These ideas have been most diligently compiled and cogently presented by the author. It is based on analysis of various texts and writings and discourses of Acharyas emanating from their living spiritual experience. This makes the book authentic, explicit and vibrant. This treatise on Samkhya is reflecting rare facets of Samkhya corelated to culminating in yoga. This subject less known will find its own place to the genuine reader and to the serious student of yoga. Samkhya is unfolded as a path-philosophy like Buddhism and Jainism and yoga technique of spiritual realization is essentially grafted on its metaphysical superstructure.

Foreword ... vii Preface ... ix Abbreviations ... xv Guide to Transliteration ... xvii 1. Introduction-Relevance and Purpose of the Study ... 1 2. Nature and objectives of Samkhya ... 15 3. Means to attain the Supreme Goal in Supporting Texts ... 50 4. Means to Attain the Highest Good or Kaivalya in Patanjala Samkhya ... 140 Select Bibliography ... 209 Index ... 213