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Prakṛti

प्रकृति

स्त्रीलिङ्ग (feminine) · प्र उपसर्ग (pra — forth, before) + कृ धातु (kṛ — to do, create) + क्तिन् प्रत्यय

prakṛti

Metaphysics

Primordial nature, material substance of the universe

Prakṛti is the primordial nature from which the whole manifested universe emerges. Composed of the three guṇas (sattva, rajas, tamas), it is the material cause of everything we perceive — from the physical body to thoughts. Everything that changes, arises, and disappears is an expression of prakṛti. The confusion between prakṛti and puruṣa (consciousness) is the root of human suffering.

Using this in academic work? Get formal citation

Vishva Vidya (2026). Prakṛti (प्रकृति). Vishva Vidya — Vedanta. https://vedanta.com.br/en/glossary/prakriti

Vishva Vidya. "Prakṛti (प्रकृति)." Vishva Vidya — Vedanta, January 1, 2026, https://vedanta.com.br/en/glossary/prakriti.

Vishva Vidya. "Prakṛti (प्रकृति)." Vishva Vidya — Vedanta, January 1, 2026. https://vedanta.com.br/en/glossary/prakriti.

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