Samkhya philosophy is one of the oldest and most influential schools of Indian philosophy. It is based on the concept of dualistic realism, which posits the existence of two fundamental principles - Purusha (spirit) and Prakriti (matter). This philosophy is attributed to the ancient sage Kapila and is considered one of the six orthodox schools of Hinduism.

The basic concept of Samkhya philosophy is the understanding of the universe as a manifestation of two distinct and eternal realities - Purusha and Prakriti. Purusha is the pure consciousness or spirit, while Prakriti is the material world. The relationship between these two principles is seen as one of cause and effect, with Prakriti being the cause and Purusha being the effect.

According to Samkhya philosophy, Prakriti is the source of all material existence and is made up of three gunas or qualities - sattva (purity), rajas (activity), and tamas (inertia). These gunas are in a constant state of flux and determine the nature of all material objects and beings. Purusha, on the other hand, is pure consciousness and is completely devoid of any qualities or attributes.

The goal of Samkhya philosophy is to achieve liberation or moksha by understanding the true nature of Purusha and Prakriti and their relationship. It is believed that through the practice of discrimination and detachment, one can realize the distinction between the two and free themselves from the cycle of birth and death.

One of the key concepts of Samkhya philosophy is the idea of purusha-prakriti viveka, which means the discrimination between Purusha and Prakriti. This discrimination is essential for achieving liberation and is achieved through self-reflection and introspection.

Another important concept in Samkhya philosophy is the concept of the three bodies - sthula sharira (gross body), sukshma sharira (subtle body), and karana sharira (causal body). The gross body is made up of the physical elements and is subject to decay and death. The subtle body is made up of the mind, intellect, and ego, and is responsible for our thoughts and actions. The causal body is the root of all existence and is the source of our individuality.

In conclusion, the basic concept of Samkhya philosophy is the duality of Purusha and Prakriti and the goal of achieving liberation through understanding their relationship. It offers a deep understanding of the nature of existence and the human experience, making it a significant contribution to the field of Indian philosophy.