Prakṛti
Nature and the source of change in Sāṅkhya and related discussions.
Introductory source-based synthesis. External references were consulted for the stated scope; specialist peer review is not claimed.
More than the external environment
In classical Sāṅkhya, prakṛti is the unconscious source of the changing world, including mental capacities. It is contrasted with puruṣa, consciousness. “Nature” is a convenient introductory gloss, but it does not mean only forests, landscapes or physical matter as understood by modern science.
Change and the guṇas
The Sāṅkhya account describes prakṛti through the three guṇas: sattva, rajas and tamas. These belong to its philosophical explanation of change. They should not be turned casually into labels for the permanent worth of persons. The Gītā also discusses prakṛti and puruṣa, but its framing should be read in its own context.
Compare a model with its use
Make two notes: what entities the source recognizes, and what problem their distinction solves. Then ask which aspects of mind the source places on the side of prakṛti. The relation to puruṣa is essential to understanding the term. A thematic link between texts indicates a shared subject, not proof that their systems are identical.
Questions to carry
- 01Which mental functions belong to prakṛti?
- 02How does this account explain change?
Sources & further reading
- 01Ferenc Ruzsa · Sāṅkhya · Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophyscholarly secondary
Reference consulted for the introductory account; follow the source for its full context.
Consulted 2026-11-07 - 02Heritage IITKanpur · Bhagavad Gītā 13.20primary source
Sanskrit verse identifier and opening text consulted; no translated quotation reproduced.
Consulted 2026-11-07