buddhi

Indian philosophy

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June 22, 2026

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In Indian philosophy, buddhi refers to the faculty of intuitive discernment or direct spiritual awareness. It is a key concept within the Samkhya school, one of the six systems of Indian philosophy.12

In Samkhya, buddhi is the first aspect to evolve from the interaction of spirit (purusha) and matter (prakriti). It is described as "spiritual awareness" and is part of the subtle body that persists after biological death, consisting of buddhi, ego-consciousness (ahamkara), mind (manas), and vitality (prana).2

The term is also related to bodhi, which means "awakening" or "enlightenment" in Buddhism. Achieving bodhi is the ultimate goal in Buddhism, leading to the end of the cycle of rebirth and the attainment of spiritual release.3

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Samkhya
…of the higher functions of buddhi (“consciousness”), ahamkara (“I-consciousness”), manas (“mind as coordinator of sense impressions”), and prana (“breath,” the principle of vitality).
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…of the higher functions of buddhi (“consciousness”), ahamkara (“I-consciousness”), manas (“mind as coordinator of sense impressions”), and prana (“breath,” the principle of vitality).
Read More