Material Nature

Chapter 26, 27

Kapiladeva then began a technical explanation of the material elements and energies of the Lord.

Sankhya philosophy helps the living entity cut his knot of attachment to the temporary world by breaking down the various constituents of material nature and deconstructing its superficial allure. Although a devotee knows bhakti is supreme, he utilises such philosophical analysis to fortify his detachment and disinterest in the objects of material enjoyment.

Kapiladeva explained the union and interaction between the Supreme enjoyer (purusa), material nature (prakrti) and the living being (jiva). He then delineated a breakdown of the elements of prakrti, the universal egg and its various coverings, and then described the Universal Form. On a practical level, Kapiladeva discussed the qualities one should cultivate for spiritual success, how to intensify one’s spiritual practice and the rarity of liberation and spiritual perfection.