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by Jayaram V
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. The 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: An excerpt from An Introduction to Hinduism by
Jayaram V; ISBN: 978-1-935760-11-5. To be published soon
Suggested Further Reading
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