Sankhya: The Concept of Bhoga and Apavarga

Sankhya yoga is one of the philosophies in Indian Shut Dharshana, which is primarily concerned with the nature of existence, the creation of the material world, consciousness, and liberation. It is believed to have originated in India around 600 BCE. The author of this great Philosophy is none other than Sage Kapila as 

“…siddhānāḿ Kapila muniḥ” among perfected beings, I am the sage Kapila - Bhagavat Gira 10, 26

He, who is considered to be one of the most important figures in the development of Hindu thought. Sankhya becomes a reference for many other Dharshana like Yoga, Vedanta also Tangra and Bhagavat Gira as well.  The Sankhya Karika is the most influential text of this philosophy, and it outlines the fundamental principles and ideas of Sankhya. 

One of the core teachings of Sankhya yoga is based on the concept of Bhoga and Apavarga, which refer to the experience of pleasure and the attainment of liberation, respectively. In this essay, we will explore these concepts in more detail and examine their significance in the context of Sankhya yoga.

Bhoga

Bhoga, which is often translated as ‘pleasure’ or ’enjoyment,’ is a central theme in Sankhya yoga. According to this philosophy, human beings are driven by a natural desire for pleasure, which manifests in a variety of forms, including sensual pleasures, material possessions, and social status. This desire for pleasure is considered to be the primary cause of human suffering, as it leads to attachment and dependence on external factors, which are inherently unstable and impermanent. The pursuit of pleasure is thus seen as a futile endeavour that can never provide lasting satisfaction or fulfilment.

The concept of Bhoga is closely related to the notion of Maya particularly in Vedanta Dharshana - Adwaita by Adi Shankaracharya. He mentions Jagat Mitya - the world is false! which refers to the illusory nature of the material world. According to Sankhya yoga, the material world is a product of the three Gunas, or qualities of nature - Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. These Gunas represent the fundamental forces of creation, preservation, and destruction, and are responsible for all the phenomena of the world. However, they are also the source of all suffering, as they create the illusion of duality and separation, which leads to attachment and desire.

The pursuit of Bhoga is seen as a consequence of this illusion, as it arises from the belief that pleasure can be found in the external world. This belief is a result of the delusion created by the Gunas, which makes us believe that the objects of our desire are real and substantial. In reality, however, they are nothing more than temporary manifestations of the Gunas, which are subject to constant change and decay. (As Buddhism mentions Anicca - Impermanant )The pursuit of pleasure, therefore, can never lead to lasting satisfaction, as it is based on a false premise.

Apavarga

On the other hand, the concept of Apavarga refers to the attainment of liberation from the cycle of birth and death (Samsara). This liberation is achieved through the realization of the true nature of the self, which is considered to be eternal, unchanging, and beyond the influence of the Gunas. According to Sankhya yoga, the self is distinct from the body, mind, and senses, which are all products of the Gunas. The self or atman is pure consciousness, which is not affected by the changes and fluctuations of the external world.

The realization of the self is the goal of Sankhya yoga, and it is achieved through the practice of discrimination (Viveka) and detachment (Vairagya). Discrimination involves the ability to distinguish between the self and the non-self and to recognize the illusory nature of the material world. Detachment, on the other hand, involves the renunciation of attachment to material possessions, social status, and sensual pleasures, and the cultivation of a state of equanimity and detachment.

The attainment of Apavarga is not an easy task, and it requires a great deal of discipline and practice

abhyāsena tu kaunteya vairāgyeṇa cha gṛihyate But by practice and detachment, it can be controlled. - Bhagavat Gita 6.35

However, it is considered to be the ultimate goal of human life, as it leads to freedom from the cycle of birth and death and the attainment of ultimate bliss and happiness. The realization of the self is also seen as the source of true knowledge and wisdom, as it enables us to see beyond the limitations of the material world and to transcend into the bliss state of Sat, Chit, Ananda; a pure existence, consciousness and bliss.

Conclusion

The awareness that Bhoga and Apavarga teach us is, whatever happens in this world is merely impermanent! Anichita. We always run behind the Bhoga due to the Maya of it and we ultimately forget the highest bliss of Anand which we get only in Liberation Apavarga. Though the pleasure from Bhoga feels enjoyable like Prayas which stays for a limited time we have to go in the path of Shrayas which takes us to the real state of real Iness.As Pathanjali yoga mentioned the cause of all this is the mind! If we train our minds using the eight limbs of yoga we reach the same Apavarga through Yoga.