Prakr̥ti in Samkhya-yoga

Book Description

Scholar Knut A. Jacobsen presents a comprehensive exploration of prakrti, a foundational concept that shapes understanding across Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain spiritual traditions. This scholarly work traces the evolution of prakrti from its earliest appearances through its development in sacred texts, revealing how this principle became the modern term for "nature" in North Indian languages.

The study illuminates prakrti's central role as a metaphysical cornerstone within Hinduism, particularly examining its profound influence within the Samkhya and Yoga philosophical systems. These traditions have shaped spiritual practice and understanding for centuries, making prakrti essential knowledge for anyone seeking deeper comprehension of Eastern spiritual thought.

Jacobsen's systematic analysis unfolds across two distinct sections. The first traces prakrti's historical journey through diverse religious texts, showing how different traditions understood and applied this concept. The second portion offers detailed examination of prakrti within Proto-Samkhya, Samkhya, and Samkhya-Yoga literature, providing readers with thorough grounding in how this principle functions within these influential philosophical frameworks.

For students of comparative religion, practitioners of yoga, or anyone drawn to understanding the philosophical foundations underlying Eastern spiritual practices, this work offers scholarly insight into concepts that continue influencing modern spiritual understanding. The book serves as both historical survey and philosophical analysis, making complex metaphysical principles accessible to serious students of Indian spiritual traditions.