prakriti

[ pruhk-ri-tee ]

/ ˈprʌk rɪ ti /

(in Sankhya philosophy) primal matter or substance from which the physical and mental universe evolves under the influence of purusha.

Compare guna, purusha.

Origin of prakriti

From the Sanskrit word prakṛti original nature

Purusha is the philosophical term for the Primordial Male, of which Prakriti is the female antithesis.

The Substance of a Dream |F. W. Bain
Sabikalpa means subject to time or change; some link with prakriti or matter remains.

Autobiography of a YOGI |Paramhansa Yogananda
He is passionately beloved by Prakriti, the beautiful daughter of King Tchandala.

Richard Wagner His Life and His Dramas |W. J. Henderson
Thus is proved the eternity of prakriti or nature and is also established the doctrine of duality.

Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa Bk. 3 Pt. 1 |Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa

Prakriti therefore has no real existence—her existence is only apparent in the real existence of the soul.

Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa Bk. 3 Pt. 1 |Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa