1. Purusha as the Cosmic Being:
* This refers to the primordial being, the source of all creation in Hindu cosmology. This concept is described in the Purusha Sukta of the Rig Veda.
* This Purusha is not a singular, individual being, but rather an abstract principle, often symbolized by the cosmic egg (Brahmanda).
* In this sense, there is only ONE Purusha.
2. Purusha as the Individual Soul:
* In Vedanta philosophy, "purusha" also refers to the individual soul (jiva).
* Each human being has an individual Purusha, representing their eternal essence.
* The number of Purusha here depends on the number of individual souls.
3. Purusha as a Social Category:
* In some contexts, "purusha" can refer to a man, as a social category.
* However, this is not the primary meaning, and it's important to note that the concept of Purusha is much broader than just a male human.
Therefore, there is no single, definitive answer to "how many purushas are there." The answer depends on which interpretation of "purusha" you are considering.
If you're interested in a specific interpretation of "purusha," please clarify your question.