Prakriti (Samkhya)

In Samkhya philosophy, prakriti is primordial nature - the uncaused material cause from which all manifest existence evolves. Unlike prakriti in Ayurveda (which refers to individual constitution), this prakriti is cosmic matter in its undifferentiated state.

Prakriti is composed of three gunas (sattva, rajas, tamas) in equilibrium. When this equilibrium is disturbed, evolution begins: first mahat (cosmic intelligence), then ahamkara (ego principle), then mind, senses, subtle elements, and gross elements. The entire manifest universe unfolds from prakriti.

Prakriti is unconscious but active; purusha is conscious but inactive. Their conjunction creates the appearance of conscious beings acting in the world. Liberation comes from recognizing that consciousness (purusha) was never actually involved in prakriti’s activity - it only appeared so through reflection, like the sun appearing to move in water.