Ishvarakrishna
Quick Summary
Ishvarakrishna was an Indian author, best known for his work, the Samkhya-karika, written around the 2nd century CE. This text is the oldest surviving work on Samkhya philosophy. Ishvarakrishna presented himself as a transmitter of the teachings of the sage Kapila.1
The Samkhya philosophy, as presented in the Samkhya-karika, is atheistic and outlines a system of 25 principles, including prakriti (the unmanifest) and purusha (the self or person). This contrasts with earlier or later versions of Samkhya that may incorporate theistic elements or a 26th principle, Ishvara, or supreme lord. The Mahabharata also contains proto-Samkhyan texts that predate Ishvarakrishna's work.12
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
- Samkhya
…of Samkhya”) by the philosopher Ishvarakrishna (c. 3rd century ce). Vijnanabhikshu wrote an important treatise on the system in the 16th century.
Read More…of Samkhya”) by the philosopher Ishvarakrishna (c. 3rd century ce). Vijnanabhikshu wrote an important treatise on the system in the 16th century.
Read More 
Indian philosophyRelation to orthodoxyIshvarakrishna’s Samkhya-karika (“Verses on Samkhya,” c. 2nd century ce) is the oldest available Samkhya work. Ishvarakrishna describes himself as laying down the essential teachings of Kapila as taught to Asuri and by Asuri to Panchashika. He refers also to Shashtitantra (“Doctrine of 60 Conceptions”), the…
Read MoreIshvarakrishna’s Samkhya-karika (“Verses on Samkhya,” c. 2nd century ce) is the oldest available Samkhya work. Ishvarakrishna describes himself as laying down the essential teachings of Kapila as taught to Asuri and by Asuri to Panchashika. He refers also to Shashtitantra (“Doctrine of 60 Conceptions”), the…
Read More