The Samkhya System: A History of the Samkhya Philosophy c11.32

c11.32

The principle of individuation can only be understood as the principle through the action of which the several spirits become endowed each with a separate substratum, which results in the appearance of human individuals. It is impossible to interpret the principle of individuation in any real cosmic sense, as if this is done we would find ourselves faced with the conception of a really conscious world spirit, which is not accepted in the *Kārikā*. Psychologically the principle stands midway between intellect and mind: the sensations communicated through mind are referred to the self and result in a perfect concept; the suggestions of action sent up by mind are referred to the self by the action of individuation, and result in the decision of intellect, and the derivation of mind and the senses from individuation, like that of individuation from intellect, is again logically impossible.