According to Samkhya philosophy, consciousness is seen as a fundamental aspect of the universe, existing in a dualistic relationship with matter. This philosophy posits that there are two ultimate realities: Purusha, the pure consciousness or spirit, and Prakriti, the material world.

Purusha is considered the eternal, unchanging, and pure consciousness, while Prakriti is the material manifestation of the universe, characterized by constant change and transformation. These two entities are seen as independent and distinct, yet interconnected and interdependent.

In Samkhya, consciousness is viewed as the essence of all beings and the source of all knowledge. It is seen as the pure awareness that exists beyond the material world, and is the ultimate goal of human existence. The goal of Samkhya is to attain liberation or moksha, which is achieved by realizing the true nature of consciousness and detaching from the material world.

According to Samkhya, consciousness is not something that is created or destroyed, but rather it exists eternally and is the source of all existence. It is considered the substratum of all beings and the underlying force that animates all living things.

One of the key concepts in Samkhya is the concept of Buddhi, which is the intellect or discriminating faculty of the mind. Buddhi is seen as the medium through which consciousness becomes aware of itself and the material world. It is through Buddhi that Purusha is able to experience and understand Prakriti.

Samkhya also recognizes the importance of the mind and its role in shaping our perceptions and experiences. The mind is seen as a product of Prakriti, and therefore, it is subject to constant change and fluctuations. However, through the practice of meditation and self-awareness, one can gain control over the mind and ultimately realize the true nature of consciousness.

In conclusion, Samkhya views consciousness as the fundamental aspect of the universe, existing in a dualistic relationship with matter. It is seen as the pure awareness that underlies all existence and the ultimate goal of human existence. Through the practice of self-awareness and detachment from the material world, one can attain liberation and merge with the eternal consciousness of Purusha.