Introduction
Significance of numerals in ancient Indian philosophy
It is always interesting to note the role of many mathematical concepts in day to day living. What is to be always discovered and accepted is that the underlying thought flow is always philosophical in nature, be it whatever the kind of study, art or science. Ancient Indians constantly used numbers (numerals) to put together the details they collected on their life and living. They used the different numbers to understand birth, death, ritual, religion, nature and every other aspect that dominated their existence. They concluded that numbers could be used to understand divinity and the various energies in the universe. The ruling concepts of their existence viz. virtue (Dhharma), wealth (Arthha), passion ( Kāma ) and liberation (Mokṣha) also came under the numerical purview. From the materialistic human to the seeker of the Self within, the Indians had understood that numbers offer pointers for reaching their respective goals.
This section named Sankhya Vishishta meaning the ‘significance of numerals’ will deal with each number and its symbolism in the ancient Indian civilization, the practice and acceptance of which is in vogue till date.
