Understanding Prakriti (Material Nature) in the Bhagavad Gita
The cosmic matter, the three gunas, and how material nature influences all of existence
Quick Answer
Prakriti in the Bhagavad Gita is material nature - the primal matter from which the entire physical universe manifests. It operates through three qualities (gunas): sattva (goodness), rajas (passion), and tamas (ignorance). In
Chapter 7, Verse 4, Krishna explains that prakriti consists of earth, water, fire, air, ether, mind, intelligence, and ego. Understanding prakriti is essential for spiritual liberation - the soul must recognize itself as distinct from matter.
Karma in the Bhagavad Gita means action performed with mindful intention. Lord Krishna teaches that karma encompasses all physical, mental, and verbal actions, and their inevitable consequences. True karma yoga involves performing duties without attachment to results, dedicating all actions to the Divine.
— Bhagavad Gita
What is Prakriti?
Prakriti (Sanskrit for "nature" or "that which produces") is one of the fundamental concepts in the Bhagavad Gita and Hindu philosophy. It represents the material energy that constitutes the entire physical universe - from the smallest atom to the largest galaxy, from the subtle mind to gross matter.
Krishna describes two prakriti - the lower (apara) and higher (para). The lower prakriti is material nature; the higher prakriti is the spiritual souls. Both are energies of Krishna, but they are fundamentally different in nature.
"Earth, water, fire, air, ether, mind, intelligence, and false ego - all together these eight constitute My separated material energies."
The Three Gunas
Prakriti operates through three fundamental qualities or "gunas" that combine in infinite variations to create all material phenomena. Chapter 14 is dedicated to explaining these gunas.
Sattva (Goodness/Purity)
Sattva produces purity, knowledge, happiness, and illumination. When sattva dominates, one experiences clarity, peace, wisdom, and virtue. Sattvic qualities include patience, forgiveness, cleanliness, and knowledge. Sattva binds through attachment to happiness and knowledge.
Rajas (Passion/Activity)
Rajas produces activity, desire, ambition, and restlessness. When rajas dominates, one is driven, competitive, attached to results, and prone to frustration. Rajasic qualities include greed, effort, agitation, and craving. Rajas binds through attachment to action and its fruits.
Tamas (Ignorance/Inertia)
Tamas produces darkness, laziness, confusion, and delusion. When tamas dominates, one is negligent, deluded, oversleeping, and inactive. Tamasic qualities include ignorance, carelessness, and madness. Tamas binds through negligence and sleep.
| Aspect | Sattva | Rajas | Tamas |
|---|
| Quality | Light, purity | Activity, passion | Darkness, inertia |
| Emotion | Peace, happiness | Desire, restlessness | Confusion, lethargy |
| Food | Fresh, wholesome | Spicy, stimulating | Stale, processed |
| Result at death | Higher planets | Human rebirth | Lower forms |
| Bondage through | Attachment to happiness | Attachment to action | Negligence |
Prakriti and Purusha
Chapter 13 explains the relationship between prakriti (nature/matter) and purusha (spirit/soul). This understanding is essential for liberation.
The Field and the Knower
Krishna calls the body the "field" (kshetra) and the soul the "knower of the field" (kshetrajna). The body is prakriti - material nature. The soul is purusha - the conscious experiencer. Bondage occurs when the soul identifies with the field; liberation occurs when it recognizes itself as the knower, distinct from the field.
"Material nature and the living beings are beginningless. Their transformations and the gunas are products of material nature. Nature is said to be the cause of the body and senses; the living being is the cause of experiencing happiness and suffering."
Transcending the Gunas
While all of material nature is constituted by the gunas, the Gita teaches that liberation involves rising above their influence entirely.
"When the embodied being transcends these three gunas, which constitute the body, he can become free from birth, death, old age, and their distresses, and enjoy nectar even in this life."
Signs of transcending the gunas include: equal vision toward all qualities, remaining undisturbed by the gunas' fluctuations, knowing oneself as the witness distinct from nature, and treating pleasure and pain alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is prakriti eternal?
Yes, the Gita teaches that prakriti is eternal (13.20), but it goes through cycles of manifestation and dissolution. During cosmic dissolution, prakriti exists in unmanifest form; during creation, it manifests as the universe. The gunas are always present in prakriti.
How can I increase sattva?
Cultivate sattva through: sattvic food (fresh, pure, vegetarian), regular meditation and spiritual practice, association with spiritual people, study of scripture, living in clean environments, moderate sleep, and performing duties without attachment. Overcoming tamas is also essential.
Is matter bad in the Gita's view?
No. Prakriti is Krishna's energy and is not inherently bad - it is the soul's improper relationship with it that causes suffering. The body can be used for spiritual advancement. The goal isn't to hate matter but to use it properly and not be bound by it.