The meaning of true education:
According to the principles of Sankhya philosophy an action (Karya) is already inherent in a cause, so it is a truism to remark that the development of man is already inherent in him (man). Hence the work of education is to bring out the development of man to the fullest extent.
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Sankhya accepts the Prakriti (i.e., the matter) and Purush (i.e. the spirit) as the fundamental elements, but it has very clearly pointed out the basic differences between the two. According to Sankhya philosophy true education is that which acquaints one with the differences between Prakriti and Purush (matter and spirit).
The fundamental purpose of education:
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To Sankhya philosophy man’s body is made of senses (Gyanendriya) and organs of action (Karmendriya). The inner self (Antahkaran) of man is a harmonious assemblage of ‘man’ (mind) ‘Ahankar’ (ego or the self- consciousness) and ‘Buddhi’ (intellect). The Purush (or the soul) is the enlightener of these three elements.
Sankhya wants that education should develop all these three basic elements according to Sankhya ‘Mukti’ (or deliverance or liberation of the soul) is the ultimate purpose of one’s life.
This ‘mukti’ may be- obtained through releasing the difference between the Prakriti and Purush (Matter and Spirit). Therefore, the development of man should be so guided that he may distinguish between matter and spirit, and may obtain freedom from the miseries of life.
According to Sankhya philosophy this is the end (Saddhya) or basic purpose of education. For the realization of this end the practice of yoga is necessary. For the practice of Yoga (Yoga- sadhana) moral conduct is the first requisite. In the modem language the above purpose of education may be further analysed in the following manner—
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To get freedom from the three-fold miseries (Dukha traya) i.e.
1. The miseries pertaining to soul, mind and body; in other words, the miseries pertaining to the spiritual realm (Adhyatmik).
2. The miseries relating to external world, i.e. Adhibhautik, and
3. The miseries due to divine disorder, i.e., Dam Prakop.