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Prakriti
Primordial nature, the field of the three gunas.
ConceptBhagavad Gitaप्रकृति
Definition
Primordial nature, matter and energy of manifestation.
Meaning
Paired with purusha, prakriti is the changing field of the three gunas (sattva, rajas, tamas). Actions arise in prakriti; the wise do not claim doership.
Etymology
Sanskrit pra-kriti, "original making," nature, constitution.
Primary sources
- Bhagavad Gita · ch. 3
- Bhagavad Gita · ch. 7
- Bhagavad Gita · ch. 13
- Bhagavad Gita · ch. 14
Related chapters
Related characters
Related events
Examples
- Three gunas binding the embodied soul (ch. 14)
- Lower and higher prakriti of the Lord (ch. 7)
- Field (kshetra) as prakriti in chapter 13
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