
Introduction to Hinduism - Prakriti

The naked eye cannot miss three basic component aspects of reality, the space, matter and oneself. The first two are experienced because of the last. The first two will exist forever, while the last one will be temporary.
Our ancient scholars studied these three basic aspects of creation and drew their own conclusions. They argued, debated and discussed about their nature and relationship. They believed that the combination of the first two resulted in the formation of the last.
They believed that if the universe had a personality consisting of space, which was filled with pure consciousness, and matter or materiality, which was essentially a form of energy, it was also reflected in the making of a being (jiva).
The body represented matter and the soul inside represented pure consciousness. Thus, life emerged out of the combination of the two eternal principles, consciousness (or ethereal space) and energy (or materiality).
Our scriptures call them Purusha and Prakriti, the two eternal and highest components of creation. Union between them results in the creation of things and beings. Separation between them results in either the dissolution of the worlds or the liberation of beings.
Purusha is the eternal and indestructible Self. He is described as the efficient cause of creation.
Prakriti is described as His materiality. It includes every modification of matter and energy that happens in the universe.
In some traditions, She is described as the material cause, while in schools of Shaktism, which hold Her as the Supreme, She is regarded as both material and efficient causes. Prakriti is that which exists in its natural state.
Whatever is original and pristine in creation is Prakriti. It imparts parts, qualities, properties and essential nature to things and beings. Regarding this eternal principle, different views and descriptions are available in Hinduism, which are summarized below.
- Prakriti is primal Nature
- A dependent and dynamic aspect of God
- An independent and eternal aspect of creation
- Source of beingness, materiality and corporeality of all beings
- Natural state
- The mind and body
- Superior to even God
- Source of bondage of beings
- Causes delusion and ignorance
- Veils knowledge and wisdom
- Causes modifications, impermanence and change
- The field (kshetra)
- Source of all names and forms
- Mechanical in its actions
- Produces nothing new
- Always constant
- Indestructible
- Creates diversity, duality, desires and attachment
- Universal Mother
- Supreme Energy
Source: Reproduced with permission from An Introduction to Hinduism by Jayaram V; ISBN: 978-1-935760-11-5. B&W 6 x 9 in or 229 x 152 mm Perfect Bound on Creme w/Matte Lam; Page Count: 332.
Suggestions for Further Reading
- The Advaita Vedanta - Non Duality
- Hinduism - The Nyaya and Vaishesika Philosophy
- Introduction to Hinduism - Prakriti
- The Kapila And The Pâtañjala Samkhya Yoga
- The Sankhya Philosophy of Hinduism
- Samkhya and Yoga in Hinduism and Buddhism
- Yoga and the Power of Subconscious
- Darsanas of Hinduism - Nyaya and Vaisheshika
- The Vedanta School of Hinduism
- The Essential Yoga philosophy
- What is Advaita or Advaita Vedanta?
- Advaita Vedanta Explained
- The History, Practice, Benefits and Types of Yoga
- Advaita For Practical People
- Are You Stuck Between Being and Becoming?
- Shedding Light on Atman, the True Self
- Why is Hinduism Called Sanatana Dharma?
- Creation in Hinduism As a Transformative Evolutionary Process
- Devotion and Meditation in Hinduism
- Do You Have Any Plans For Your Rebirth or Reincarnation?
- Can Downloading Mind Into a Computer Help Humans to Reconnect to Their Past Lives?
- Understanding Death and Impermanence
- Kaivalya, the State of Aloneness
- Letting your God live in You - The True Essence of the Hindu Way of Life
- Lessons from the Dance of Kali, the Mother Nature
- Hinduism - Upanishads - Mahavakyas
- Panca Darsana - A New Theory of Knowledge
- Self-knowledge, Difficulties in Knowing Yourself
- The Meaning and Significance of Heart in Hinduism
- Yoga's Best Kept Secrets
- Essays On Dharma
- Esoteric Mystic Hinduism
- Introduction to Hinduism
- Hindu Way of Life
- Essays On Karma
- Hindu Rites and Rituals
- The Origin of The Sanskrit Language
- Symbolism in Hinduism
- Essays on The Upanishads
- Concepts of Hinduism
- Essays on Atman
- Hindu Festivals
- Spiritual Practice
- Right Living
- Yoga of Sorrow
- Happiness
- Mental Health
- Concepts of Buddhism
- General Essays