Question

Who was the founder of Sankhya School of Philosophy?
(A) Ramanuja
(B) Manu
(C) Swami Vivekananda
(D) Kapila

Answer 1

Hint: Sankhya is considered as one of the six astika that are in the Hindu ideologies. The Sankhya School of Philosophy was founded by the son of Maharishi Kardama. He has also written the Samkhya Sutras.

Complete answer:
The word Sankhya means ‘related to numbers'. The Sankhya School of Philosophy was founded by Sage Kapila. This School of philosophy focuses mainly on achieving knowledge through the way of meditation and engagement. Sankhya works on the concept of prakriti and purusha. The Sankhya Philosophy believes in the presence of two bodies which are a secular body and subtle matters that continue with a person even after death. The study of Sankhya philosophy is mainly known for its assumption of gunas (qualities), which are:
1. Sattva: It focuses on the goodness, integrity and positivity of the person.
2. Rajas: the quality of activity, enthusiasm and ability to perform well.
3. Tamas: the quality of darkness, laziness and negativity.
According to Samkhya Philosophy, every human has these three gunas or the qualities in him in different ratios. Each of these qualities dominate a person at different times of his life. The sankhya teaching said that the person who masters himself in handling these qualities at the perfect time, will reach to success. Samkhya philosophy believes that the only source of knowledge are Anumana (inference) and Sabda which is known as verbal testimony of sages.
So, the correct answer is option D.

Note: The Sankhya School of Philosophy is considered to be the oldest school of Philosophy that existed. The Philosophers of Sankhya didn't believe in the existence of God. The Samkhya Pravachana Sutra is considered as one of the most renowned works of Philosophers of Sankhya School.