sophy. Here they are explained in the order mentioned in the poem. Purusa (LIG) 6ör) or soul is called by the Tamil equivalent Paazh (Lun (p) which means “barrenness’. In the Samkhya philosophy soul produces nothing, so the state of barrenness is attributed to it. Panchabhuta (Lhao assir agsägy) or the five gross elements namely ether, air, light, water and earth are mentioned by the term Kaal (&m 6b) which means germ because they germinate or pi o duce this world and at the same time remain as the products of Tanmatras or subtle elements. Eventhough Karmendriyas namely, mouth, feet, hands and the organs of evacuation and reproduction can be included in the five gross elements, they found themselves classified by their actions hence they are called by the name Paaku (Lim G5) which means classification. Next to it Tan matras (L16) 65, 356ir gg.jägi) or subtle elements are mentioned Sound, touch, colour, taste and smell are the five qualities of ether, air, light, water and earth respectively Being originated in the beginning sound is given the first place among them. Touch, colour, taste and smell are kept in accordance with their order of origin (i. e. in the second, third, fourth and fifth places respectively). The sixth includes Jnanendriyas namely skin, tongue, eyes, nose and ears together with manas (to 60 lb) or mind. The seventh indicates Ahamkara or self-sense. The eight denotes Buddhi (மான்) or intellect. The ninth mentions Prakrti the primordial matrix. Altogether they are twenty-five in number. “It is difficult to understand the precise significance of the Samkhya account of evolution, and we have not seen any satisfactory explanation as to why the different steps of evolution are what they are** (1n diam Philosophy II p. 274). These words of Dr. Radhakrishnan clearly shows the difficulties in understanding the Samkhya system of philosophy. Parimelazhakar in his commentary on Paripaadal explains only the evolution of tanmatras and respective origin of pancabhuta from them. But in his commentary to the 27th couplet of 482
