In Samkhya philosophy, Purusha and Prakriti are two fundamental concepts that form the basis of dualistic realism. These two principles are believed to be the ultimate cause of the universe and all its manifestations.

Purusha can be understood as pure consciousness or spirit, while Prakriti is considered to be matter or nature. Purusha is the unchanging, eternal, and infinite aspect of reality, while Prakriti is the constantly changing and evolving aspect.

One of the main differences between Purusha and Prakriti is their qualities. Purusha is considered to be pure, unchanging, and devoid of any attributes. It is the witness to all the changes and manifestations of Prakriti, but it remains unchanged and unaffected by them. On the other hand, Prakriti is characterized by the three gunas - sattva (purity), rajas (activity), and tamas (inertia). These qualities are constantly in flux and are responsible for the creation, maintenance, and destruction of the universe.

Another difference between Purusha and Prakriti is their roles in the creation of the universe. Purusha is the passive observer, while Prakriti is the active creator. Purusha, with its mere presence, initiates the process of creation by attracting Prakriti towards itself. Prakriti, in turn, creates the material world and all its forms and beings. This interplay between Purusha and Prakriti is known as the dance of creation.

Additionally, Purusha and Prakriti also differ in their level of consciousness. Purusha is considered to be fully conscious, while Prakriti is seen as unconscious. However, Prakriti is not completely devoid of consciousness, as it is the source of the mind and the senses, which allow us to experience the world.

In conclusion, Purusha and Prakriti are two distinct principles in Samkhya philosophy that represent the duality of spirit and matter. While Purusha is the eternal, unchanging, and conscious aspect, Prakriti is the constantly changing and unconscious aspect. Together, they form the basis of the universe and all its manifestations.