Yoga’s Foundational Philosophies: Samkhya, Advaita Vedanta, Tantra
Samkhya is dualistic, teaching discrimination between purusha (spirit) and prakrti (substance). Some sources consider these different philosophies connected and complementary. For example: “The aspirant clears the mind through the practice of Yoga meditation as codified in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, does self-enquiry of Vedanta, and then breaks through the final barrier with Tantra, experiencing the heights of kundalini awakening.” (Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati) TANTRA VS. SAMKHYA Tantra explores the essential unity of reality. Samkhya analyzes the different elements of physical manifestation and explains how they take form from spirit. – Alan Finger CONNECTING YOGA, VEDANTA AND TANTRA In the tradition of the Himalayan masters, Yoga, Vedanta, and Tantra complement one another, leading one systematically along the path to Self-realization. The aspirant clears the mind through the practice of Yoga meditation as codified in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, does self-enquiry of Vedanta, and then breaks through the final barrier with Tantra, experiencing the heights of kundalini awakening. – Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati Samkhya Introduction Indian tradition regards Samkhya as the oldest darsana (philosophy).
