গুণতত্ত্ব ও নৈতিকতা: সাংখ্য দর্শনের আলোকে একটি বিশ্লেষণ
Volume-XIV, Issue-III, April 2026
Volume-XIV, Issue-III, April 2026 | ||
Received: 25.04.2026 | Accepted: 29.04.2026 | |||
Published Online: 30.04.2026 | Page No: | |||
DOI: 10.64031/pratidhwanitheecho.vol.14.issue.03W. | ||||
গুণতত্ত্ব ও নৈতিকতা: সাংখ্য দর্শনের আলোকে একটি বিশ্লেষণ মহুয়া চৌধুরী, গবেষক, দর্শন বিভাগ, কাজী নজরুল বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়, আসানসোল, পশ্চিমবঙ্গ, ভারত | |
Theory of Qualities and Ethics: An Analysis in the Light of Sāṅkhya Philosophy Mohua Chowdhury, Research Scholar, Dept. of Philosophy, Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol, West Bengal, India | |
Sāṃkhya philosophy is one of the oldest and most influential traditions in Indian philosophical thought. It explains the universe based on two fundamental realities: Prakṛti (Nature) and Puruṣa (Consciousness). In the Sāṃkhyakārikā, composed by Ācārya Īśvarakṛṣṇa—considered the earliest extant foundational text of this system—the three fundamental qualities (guṇas) of Prakṛti are described. These three guṇas are reflected in human character and morality. The theory of guṇas—Sattva, Rajas and Tamas—is a central aspect for the structure and transformation of the material world but also profoundly influence human ethical life, society and welfare-oriented thinking. Sattva represents knowledge, purity and the foundation of ethical conduct, which are essential for individual self-development and social harmony. Rajas embodies activity, ambition and the force of change; while it acts as the driving force behind creativity and technological progress, if left uncontrolled, it may lead to selfishness and inequality. Tamas signifies ignorance, inertia and lack of discernment, which can result in the degradation of both the individual and society. This paper presents an analytical discussion on the concept of guṇas and their relation to ethics in sāṃkhya philosophy, drawing upon the Sāṃkhyakārikā and its classical commentary Sāṃkhyatattvakaumudī by Vācaspati Miśra. The study examines the relationship between the theory of guṇas and ethics; and explores how these qualities contribute to the formation of moral values in both individuals and society. It also reflects on the relevance of these ideas in modern life. In other words, this paper discusses ethics, human development and the impact on contemporary society through the lens of the guṇas theory. Based on the above discussion it is emphasized that the theory of guṇas is not merely an abstract philosophical concept, but is highly relevant to modern society, ethical life and the formation of personality. | |
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