Is Purusha the same as the soul?

In the Samkhya context, yes. But unlike Western concepts of a soul with personality, Purusha is pure, featureless, inactive consciousness.

How is Purusha different from Atman?

In Advaita Vedanta, there is only one universal Atman. In Samkhya, there are infinite, distinct, plural Purushas (one for each being).

Sanskrit Lexicon

Purusha

puruṣa

The precise linguistic root, etymology, and scriptural context of Purusha.

Pronunciation

poo-roo-shah

Purusha is the ancient Sanskrit term for pure, witnessing consciousness, entirely separate from the changing realm of mind and matter.

Samkhya & Yoga

The pure, unchanging, passive consciousness that merely witnesses reality, entirely distinct from Prakriti (matter/mind).

Vedic (Rig Veda)

The Cosmic Being from whose sacrifice the entire universe was created (Purusha Sukta).

Vedanta

Often used synonymously with Atman or Brahman—the supreme self.

Yoga Sutras of Patanjali 1.3

"tada drashtuh svarupe avasthanam"
— Then the seer (Purusha) abides in its own true nature.

Significance: Patanjali defines the goal of yoga as the resting of Purusha in its own pure state, having ceased identification with the mind.

Dhatu (Root)

pṝ (पॄ) or pur (पुर्)

Root Meaning

to fill, or a city/body

Literally means 'person' or 'the one who dwells in the city (of the body)'.

For the philosophical deep-dive, practical application, and related concepts of Purusha.

Take our Faith Finder quiz to discover the specific daily practices (Sadhana) to bring Purusha to life.