Sankhyakarika

The Karika stands, a text of old,

Its wisdom vast, its truths are told;

The earliest voice of Sankhya’s frame,

Preserved in doctrine’s noble name. [1]

Its date unknown, the past concealed,

Yet history’s mark has been revealed;

By Kapil Muni the verses were said,

Before five sixty nine was spread. [2]

Attributed to Ishwar Krishna’s pen,

A sage who lived in mortal ken;

Around three fifty’s time he wrote,

The Sankhya creed in measured note. [3]

He claimed no pride, no self made fame,

But lineage pure of Kapil’s name;

Through Asuri’s care, through Panchashikha’s hand,

The wisdom flowed across the land. [4]

Seventy two the verses stand,

Composed with care, concise and grand;

In Arya metre, firm and clear,

The Sankhya path for all to hear. [5]