A Philosophical interpretation of the Title Song of “Kyunki Saas BhiKabhi Bahu Thi” through the Lens of Samkhya
- Neelu Sunil Kalra
- Jan 10
- 3 min read
NEELU SUNIL KALRA
Yoga Sadhaka | Mindfulness Guide
Certified 200-Hour TTC
(‘क्योंकि सास भी कभी बहू थी’ का दार्शनिक पाठ)
Sometimes, deep philosophical ideas are hidden in the most unexpected places. A television serial’s title song, heard many times without much thought, can suddenly become a doorway to deeper understanding.
When we pause and listen carefully, even familiar words can begin to reflect timeless truths about life, change and awareness.
This is precisely what my video “प्रकृति का नाटक, पुरुष का मौन — ‘क्योंकि सास भी कभी बहू थी’ कादार्शनिक पाठ” invites you to explore.
Each line of the title song is explained in relation to Samkhya philosophy, helping us understand life, consciousness & relationships in a simple and meaningful way.
Samkhya Philosophy: Two Principles of Reality (सांख्य दर्शन: वास्तविकता के दो मूल तत्व)
Samkhya Darshan is widely considered oldest of the six orthodox (Astik) schools of Indian philosophy, which explains existence through two fundamental principles:
MulaPrakriti (मूलप्रकृति) – eternal, the subtlest unmanifest material principle in potential form. It consists of three gunas (sattva, rajas, tamas) in perfect equilibrium
Purusha (पुरुष) – eternal, pure consciousness, soul, atman, inactive, silent, changeless, devoid of Gunas.
Creation begins when Prakriti comes in close proximity to Purusha (pure consciousness). Purusha does nothing, it neither acts nor creates, it simply witnesses.
Yet, its mere presence disturbs the perfect balance of the three gunas within MulaPrakriti.
This disturbance of gunas sets the process of evolution in motion, giving rise to 23 evolutes of Prakriti called as Vyakt Prakriti or Manifested Prakriti. Starting from intelligence and ego to mind, senses and the physical elements
A Popular Song, A Philosophical Vision (एक लोकप्रिय गीत, एक दार्शनिक दृष्टि)
The title song of “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi” talks about family, relationships and the changes we go through in life. At one level, it describes everyday emotions and social
roles that many people relate to.
But when we look a little deeper, it shows how life unfolds as a play of Prakriti, while the
observer remains steady.
Prakriti: The Drama of Life (प्रकृति का नाटक: जीवन की निरंतर गति)
Prakriti is always active and changing. It is the reason life keeps moving forward. Just like
a TV serial goes from one episode to the next, our lives move through different situations/
relationships, happiness and problems.
In families and society, we often get stuck in the roles we play. Feelings come up, expectations grow & arguments happen. This is the drama (natak) of Prakriti, it keeps
going on naturally.
Purusha: The Silent Witness (पुरुष का मौन: साक्षी भाव की शक्ति)
Contrasting this activity is Purusha, the silent, witnessing consciousness. Purusha does not interfere, judge or react. It simply observes.
When we rest in this witnessing state, we begin to see thoughts, emotions and roles as movements happening within us, not as our true identity.
In yoga and meditation, this is known as साक्षी भाव, or the witness attitude. Life is experienced completely, but without getting caught or entangled within it.
“Aaina phir bhi wahi” reminds us that while roles, experiences & faces change, the one who witnesses them remains the same. This Aaina/ Mirror itself is Purusha.
Seeing Beyond Roles (भमिू काओ ंके पार देखना)
The line “सास भी कभी बहू थी” has a deep meaning. It reminds us that every role in life is temporary.
A daughter-in-law was once a child and a mother-in-law was once a daughterin-law. When we understand this, kindness and understanding arise naturally.
Everything we experience—thoughts, emotions, relationships, conflicts and the many roles we play in life—is the dynamic play of Prakriti.
How we think, feel & act in every role is shaped by the three gunas of Prakriti. These gunas influence our behaviour, thoughts, actions & reactions.
Depending upon the dominance of one of the gunas, sometimes we feel calm and clarity, sometimes restlessness and sometimes confusion.
Roles keep changing and the gunas keep playing their part, however behind all this movement, stands Purusha: the silent observer who sees, experiences and yet remains untouched.
This reflects the Samkhya teaching that Prakriti is changing, while Purusha is stable and unchanging.
Yoga: Balancing Drama and Silence (योग: नाटक और मौन के बीच संतुलन)
Yoga is not an escape from life’s drama, it is a way to live within it consciously. Through yoga practices i.e. asana, pranayama, meditation & self reflection, we learn to:
Participate in life without losing ourselves
Observe without being consumed by drama
Act from awareness rather than habit
Conclusion: Awareness Within the Drama
By linking a well known TV serial title song with ancient philosophy, we see life as both dynamic and witnessed.
While Prakriti performs its drama, we can rest in Purusha, the silent observer.
Life unfolds beautifully when we watch without being entangled, understanding that change happens around us, but our inner mirror remains the same.
Very insightful