प्रकृतिं पुरुषं चैव विद्ध्यनादी उभावपि | विकारांश्च गुणांश्चैव विद्धि प्रकृतिसम्भवान् || 20 || |
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“Know that both the Prakriti (material nature) and the Purusha (consciousness) are beginningless. Understand that all modifications and qualities arise from Prakriti.”
Commentary: Prakriti refers to the cosmic Nature that manifests as the entire material universe. It is the primordial source of all physical matter, including the elements, forces, and phenomena of the external world. Prakriti is characterized by constant change and transformation.
Purusha, on the other hand, represents the eternal consciousness or the individual self. It is the essence of pure awareness and is distinct from the physical body and the material world. Purusha is the witnessing consciousness that perceives and experiences the activities of Prakriti. The verse explains that all modifications and qualities, known as vikārās and gunās, respectively, originate from Prakriti. Vikārās refer to the various forms and changes that occur in the material world, while gunās represent the inherent qualities or attributes present in Prakriti. These gunās include sattva (purity, harmony), rajas (activity, passion), and tamas (inertia, darkness).
The verse advises us to understand the fundamental nature of Prakriti and Purusha. Prakriti, as the material nature, is responsible for the diversity and transformations observed in the world. Purusha, as the consciousness, is the eternal observer and experiencer.
By realizing the eternal nature of Prakriti and Purusha, one can develop a deeper understanding of the transient nature of the material world and the unchanging essence of consciousness. This understanding can lead to the realization of one’s true self beyond the realm of Prakriti and enable the seeker to transcend the influence of the gunās and attain spiritual liberation.