Pure consciousness — the true self or witness that observes experience without changing. Yoga seeks to distinguish it from prakriti, the changing world of mind and matter.

Philosophy

Purusha

Puruṣaपुरुष· POO-roo-shahpure consciousness, self

Purusha is pure consciousness or the true self in Samkhya-Yoga philosophy — the unchanging witness behind all experience.

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Distinct from prakriti (nature), purusha simply observes. Yoga aims at discerning purusha from the ever-changing mind and matter, a key to liberation.

Frequently asked questions

What is purusha?: Pure consciousness — the true self or witness that observes experience without changing. Yoga seeks to distinguish it from prakriti, the changing world of mind and matter.

Related terms

Prakriti
Moksha
Samadhi