Purusha

In Hinduism, Purusha (Sanskrit: पुरुष, puruṣa) is a complex and multifaceted concept with varied meanings depending on the specific Hindu tradition and scripture. Primarily, Purusha represents the cosmic being or the universal self, considered the source of all existence. It is often translated as "cosmic man," "self," "person," or "spirit."

In the Rigveda, particularly in the Purusha Sukta (RV 10.90), Purusha is described as a primeval giant who is sacrificed by the gods, and from his dismembered body, the universe and the four varnas (social classes) are created. This Vedic understanding portrays Purusha as both transcendent (beyond the universe) and immanent (present within the universe). The Purusha Sukta is a foundational text for understanding the connection between the cosmos, society, and the divine.

In later philosophical schools, particularly Samkhya and Yoga, Purusha is distinguished from Prakriti (primordial nature or matter). In this dualistic framework, Purusha is pure consciousness, the passive observer, while Prakriti is the active principle responsible for all material creation and change. Liberation (moksha) is achieved when Purusha realizes its distinct nature from Prakriti and ceases to identify with the material world.

Different schools of Vedanta also offer interpretations of Purusha. In Advaita Vedanta, Purusha is ultimately identified with Brahman, the ultimate reality and non-dual consciousness. In other Vedanta schools, Purusha may be seen as a distinct entity, either as the individual soul (jiva) or as the Supreme Being (Ishvara).

The concept of Purusha is central to understanding Hindu cosmology, philosophy, and soteriology. It highlights the interconnectedness of the individual, the universe, and the divine. Its interpretations vary across different schools of thought, emphasizing either the unity of all existence in a cosmic being or the separation of consciousness from matter as the key to liberation.