Yoga’s Foundational Philosophies: Samkhya, Advaita Vedanta, Tantra

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras draw
heavily from Samkhya philosophy, which emphasizes the distinction between
purusha (spirit) and prakriti (substance). Other yoga traditions stem from
non-dualistic philosophies like Advaita Vedanta and Tantra, asserting that
all existence is rooted in Consciousness, regarded as a singular essence
connecting all things. Advaita Vedanta, based primarily on the Upanishads,
teaches that the ultimate truth is the oneness of Brahman (the formless
Universal Spirit) and Atman (the Self). In contrast, Tantra seeks to
demonstrate through practice that the divine essence permeates every aspect
of life, fostering a unique connection between practitioners and the
cosmos.

In the Himalayan masters’ tradition, Yoga, Vedanta, and Tantra interweave
to guide individuals toward Self-realization. Through meditation,
self-inquiry, and deeper experiential practices of Tantra, one can navigate
from a state of duality to a profound recognition of unity, ultimately
reaching the heights of spiritual awakening. While Samkhya and yoga share
foundational overlaps, such as their dualistic nature, notable differences
arise: Samkhya is atheistic, whereas Yoga includes a theistic perspective,
positing a supreme being (Ishvara) and prioritizing meditative techniques for
spiritual progress.

Samkhya philosophy provides a framework for understanding liberation
through discernment. It posits that true liberation involves distinguishing
between the eternal self (purusha) and the transient nature of the material
world (prakriti). This essential process helps practitioners align with their
true nature amid the distractions of impermanence. Experts like Elizabeth
Reninger highlight this journey of self-discovery, teaching that suffering
ensues when individuals mistakenly identify themselves with their changing
thoughts and emotions, rather than acknowledging their core essence as
unchanging awareness.

In Samkhya, purusha reflects the essence of spirit, characterized by
freedom and passivity, while prakriti represents the dynamic realm of matter
influenced by the three gunas: sattva (purity), rajas (activity), and tamas
(inertia). This duality underscores the necessity of discrimination in
discerning one’s identity. Understanding this philosophy enables
practitioners to transition from identifying solely with the physical realm
to experiencing their infinite nature as consciousness itself.

Advaita Vedanta, translating to “not-two,” emphasizes the unity
of Atman and Brahman, arguing that our true self is the same as the ultimate
reality. In this view, Brahman is recognized as the foundation of all
existence, and the individual self is merely a reflection of this eternal
essence. This philosophy draws from sacred texts like the Upanishads, Gita,
and Brahma Sutras, advocating that spiritual liberation is achieved through
the realization of this non-duality. As explored by scholars like Marco Pino,
this understanding not only informs the spiritual journey within Hinduism but
also resonantly echoes across diverse cultural contexts due to its universal
principles.

Brahman encapsulates the essence of the universe, described in the
Upanishads as satyam jnanam anantam brahma—truth, knowledge, and infinity.
This foundational truth emphasizes that all beings originate from and
ultimately return to Brahman, further reinforcing the oneness that underlies
all existence. Unlike the concept of a deity denoting creation, Brahman
signifies a vast cosmic source that transcends individual identities. As
practitioners engage with yoga as a means of connecting with this cosmic
truth, they explore the depths of their consciousness, gradually aligning
with this universal spirit.

Tantra, another pivotal philosophy, embodies non-dualism, asserting that
all existence is sacred and interconnected. Originating as a response to
patriarchy and dualistic views, Tantra encourages practitioners to engage
with the world, echoing the belief that liberation is found through
experiencing the divine within everything. In this context, concepts of Shiva
(masculine) and Shakti (feminine) symbolize energies that, when unified,
encompass the totality of existence.

While distinct in practices and beliefs, Advaita Vedanta and Tantra
converge on the principle of non-duality, proposing that the entirety of
existence is rooted in Consciousness. Where Advaita Vedanta focuses on
transcending the illusion of duality, asserting that observable phenomena are
mere illusions, Tantra sees divinity in every aspect of life, encouraging a
sacred relationship with the physical world. Despite their differing
methodologies, both philosophies guide seekers toward recognizing their true
nature and experiencing the divine flow of consciousness in everyday
life.

To explore more about these philosophies and their connections, please
visit
https://ashtanga.tech/study-guide/humanities/philosophy/philosophy-intro/yogas-foundational-philosophies-samkhya-advaita-vedanta-tantra/.