Sāmkhya: Karyavada (causation

Philosophy

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In Sāmkhya philosophy, Karyavada refers to the theory of causation, specifically known as Satkaryavada.

Satkaryavada posits that the effect (karya) pre-exists in its cause (karana) in a subtle or unmanifested form before its actual manifestation. It means that nothing new is truly created; rather, the effect is merely a transformation or unfolding of what was already present in the cause.

Key aspects of Sāmkhya's Satkaryavada:

  • No new creation: The effect is not a new entity but an actualization of the potential inherent in the cause.
  • Transformation: Causation is seen as a process of transformation (parinama) where the cause changes its form to become the effect.
  • Examples: A pot is not a new creation but a manifestation of the clay; oil is already present in sesame seeds.
  • Implication: This theory supports the Sāmkhya view that Prakriti (primordial matter) is the ultimate cause of the entire manifest world, as all effects are merely transformations of Prakriti.
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