Sāṃkhya philosophy explains how the universe came to be through the interaction of Prakṛti and Puruṣa. This cosmic dance begins when the equilibrium of Prakṛti's three guṇas is disturbed, triggering a cascade of evolutes from subtle to gross.

The evolution unfolds in stages, starting with cosmic intelligence and progressing to the physical world. Throughout this process, the guṇas play a crucial role, shaping the qualities of each evolute and driving the cosmic cycles of creation and dissolution.

The Evolution of the Universe in Sāṃkhya Philosophy

Evolution of universe in Sāṃkhya

• Prakṛti functions as primordial material cause exists in unmanifest state (avyakta) composed of three guṇas (sattva, rajas, tamas) in equilibrium
• Disturbance of equilibrium initiates evolution process triggered by proximity of Puruṣa
• Mahat (Buddhi) emerges as first evolute from Prakṛti represents cosmic intelligence or intellect
• Ahaṃkāra (ego-principle) develops from Mahat introduces principle of individuation
• Subtle elements (tanmātras) form include sound (śabda), touch (sparśa), form (rūpa), taste (rasa), smell (gandha)
• Gross elements (mahābhūtas) created comprise ether (ākāśa), air (vāyu), fire (tejas), water (ap), earth (pṛthivī)
• Sense organs and motor organs develop from subtle elements
• Physical universe forms as culmination of evolutionary process

Stages of cosmic evolution

• Mahat (Buddhi) manifests cosmic intelligence facilitates discriminative faculty
• Ahaṃkāra emerges as principle of individuation exists in three types: sāttvika, rājasika, tāmasika
• Manas (mind) develops coordinates sensory inputs mediates between sense organs and intellect
• Jñānendriyas (sense organs) evolve include eyes, ears, nose, tongue, skin
• Karmendriyas (motor organs) form comprise speech, hands, feet, excretory organs, reproductive organs
• Tanmātras (subtle elements) arise as precursors to gross elements
• Mahābhūtas (gross elements) manifest constitute physical world

Role of Prakṛti and guṇas

• Prakṛti serves as eternal and uncaused material source of all manifestation
• Three guṇas - sattva (illumination, lightness, harmony), rajas (activity, passion, motion), tamas (inertia, heaviness, obstruction) - interact and influence evolution
• Guṇa equilibrium maintains unmanifest Prakṛti while disequilibrium triggers evolution
• Guṇas determine qualities of each tattva (principle) shape characteristics of physical and mental phenomena
• Guṇa fluctuations drive cosmic cycles creating periods of manifestation and dissolution

Universe evolution vs Puruṣa

• Puruṣa exists as distinct conscious principle multiple Puruṣas recognized in Sāṃkhya
• Puruṣa-Prakṛti interaction occurs through proximity without direct contact
• Evolution serves to provide experiences for Puruṣa and facilitate liberation (kaivalya)
• Bondage results from misidentification of Puruṣa with Prakṛti's evolutes liberation achieved through discriminative knowledge
• Teleological aspect emphasizes evolution serves purpose of Puruṣa Prakṛti acts for Puruṣa's sake
• Individual manifestation associates each Puruṣa with unique psychophysical complex reflects cosmic evolution on microcosmic scale