Question

Whose theory is this: "Purushavisheshah Ishwarah"?

• A. Sankhya Philosophy
• B. Nyaya Philosophy
• C. Yoga Philosophy
• D. Vedanta Philosophy

Hint:

Yoga Philosophy = Ishwara as a special Purusha, eternal and free from worldly bonds.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Statement Interpretation.
The phrase "Purushavisheshah Ishwarah" translates to "Ishwara is a distinct Purusha." This emphasizes the difference between common souls (Purushas) and a supreme, eternal, unique soul identified as Ishwara.
Step 2: Yoga Philosophy Relevance.
In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, Ishwara is described as a singular Purusha, untouched by afflictions (kleshas), karma, and the cycle of transmigration. Ishwara functions as a focus for meditation and a source for spiritual liberation.
Step 3: Exclusion of Inaccurate Concepts.
- Sankhya Philosophy: Acknowledges Purusha and Prakriti but denies the existence of Ishwara, thus being atheistic.
- Nyaya Philosophy: Asserts a creator God but does not conceptualize Ishwara as a "special Purusha."
- Vedanta Philosophy: Identifies Brahman as the ultimate reality, distinct from Yoga's conception of Ishwara.
Step 4: Final Determination.
Consequently, the doctrine "Purushavisheshah Ishwarah" is attributed to Yoga Philosophy.