what is prakriti

Prakriti is a concept in Hinduism, particularly in the Sāṅkhya school of philosophy, that refers to the original or natural form or condition of anything, the original or primary substance, or nature. It is considered the feminine aspect of existence and is associated with the creative energy in Hindu cosmology. Prakriti is also found in the texts of other Indian religions such as Veda, Jainism, and Buddhism. In the Samkhya system of Indian philosophy, Prakriti is described as material nature in its germinal state, eternal and beyond perception, and is made up of three gunas or qualities of matter. It contrasts with Puruṣa, which is pure awareness and metaphysical consciousness. The term is also used in Kundalini yoga, where one aim of the practitioner is to awaken Prakriti to achieve balance and awaken ones primal power and reach a more natural state of being. In Ayurveda, practices center around an individuals Prakriti and bringing balance to oneself, nurturing ones true nature.