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2009-05-13T17:22:09Z

Sangeetha Rajah:

[[Talk:Prakriti in Ayurveda]]

User talk:Sangeetha Rajah

2009-05-13T17:16:57Z

Sangeetha Rajah: User talk:Sangeetha Rajah moved to Talk:Prakriti in Ayurveda

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Prakriti in Ayurveda

2009-05-13T17:16:57Z

Sangeetha Rajah: User talk:Sangeetha Rajah moved to Talk:Prakriti in Ayurveda

{{Author|Sangeetha Rajah}}

Ayurveda accepts the view of Saankhya with regard to Srshti and Laya and Pramaanas. Purusha (chetana), along with Prakrti (sakti) is responsible for natural disposition of everything in this universe. Prakrti manifests itself in individuals differently according to different proportions of the three gunas Satva, Rajas and Tamas, which are but transformations of Prakrti.

In Ayurveda, this Prakrti represents the physical and mental constitution of an individual. A state of disease occurs whenever there is a deviation from the normal physical or mental constitution of a human being. Prakrti is employed to appreciate the nature of an individual and recognize the changes that occur due to disease, where there is a deviation from Prakrti.

== HOW IS PRAKRTI FORMED ? ==

Ayurveda believes that the temperament of a human is genetic in origin. Prakriti or Constitution is formed at the time of union of sperm and ovum inside the womb. Predominance of the three doshas, the five elements elements and the three gunas at the time of fertilization determines our physical and mental traits. Different individuals have different combinations of these doshas and gunas and hence each individual will have a unique Prakrti, just like each of us has a unique finger print.

Once formed, Prakrti remains constant for every individual for his entire lifetime. This Prakrti decides the disease tendency of an individual. Every individual is subjected to the constant interaction with his or her environment which will affect the person's constitution at any time. The body will try to maintain a dynamic equilibrium or balance with the environment. Although it reflects our ability to adjust to life's influences and is always changing, it should match our Prakrti or inborn constitution, as closely as possible.

== PRAKRTI AND VIKRTI ==

If the current proportion of our doshas differs significantly from our constitutional proportion, it indicates imbalances, which in turn can lead to illness. This deviation from Prakrti is called Vikrti. The farther our Vikrti is from our Prakrti, the more ill-prone we are.

The concept of Prakrti and Vikrti can be illustrated by reference to our body temperature. When healthy, we maintain an average body temperature of about 98* F. Although, different persons can have different base temperatures, it does not change much so long as the person is healthy. When we go outside on a winter day, our body temperature may go down slightly but will pick right back up to the normal if we are healthy. Similarly, jogging on a hot day can temporarily raise our body temperature. When we are sick, or catch a cold, our body temperature will go up. This indicates that we are sick or outside our normal base condition. Our present temperature may be considered as Vikrti and the difference between the Prakrti (our normal temperature) and Vikrti (our present temperature) can determine whether any medical intervention is required.

== PRAKRTI, THE THREE DOSHAS AND THE THREE GUNAS ==

The three doshas Vaata, Pitta and Kapha are composed of the five basic elements. On the other hand, the five elements possess one or more of the three gunas namely Satva, Rajas and Tamas.

According to Susruta Samhita, Aakaasa is predominant of Satva guna while Vaayu is predominant of Rajas. Agni is predominant of Satva and Rajas while Jala is predominant of Satva and Tamas. Prthvi is predominantly Taamasic.

{|class="wikitable"

!DOSHA

!BASIC ELEMENTS

!PREDOMINANT GUNA

|-

| VAATA

| Vaayu, Aakaasa

| Rajas

|-

| PITTA

| Agni, Jala

| Satva

|-

| KAPHA

| Prthvi, Jala

| Tamas

|-

.

.

.

|-

|}

As the entire universe is paancabhautika in nature, the food we eat and the activities we perform do have an impact on the proportions of the tridoshas and hence the five elements in our body. Thats why we say “You are what you eat “.

== TYPES OF PRAKRTI ==

Basically, Prakrti has been classified into two as

1. Saareerika - bodily and
2. Maanaseeka – mental

Based on the three doshas and their physical and physiological qualities, the Saaeerika Prakrti has been classified into seven namely

1. Vaata
2. Pitta
3. Kapha
4. Vaata – Pitta
5. Pitta – Kapha
6. Kapha – Vaata and
7. Tridoshaja or Sannipaata

Based on the three gunas and their emotional, behavioral, cognitive and mental abilities and qualities, the Maanaseeka Prakrti has been classified into three namely

1. Saatvika
2. Rajasiaka and
3. taamasika

In order to understand a person, it is necessary to first determine his or her Prakruti. By understanding the prakrti of a person, a vaidya is able to detect the changes in the Prakrti of the person. Using prakrti as base, he then diagnoses the disease employing some other factors (which will be dealt with later).

Irrespective of whether we are healthy or diseased, knowing our prakrti helps us to know ourselves better and live a healthy and peaceful life.

Given below is a table containing the characteristics of the different types of prakrtis.

==PHYSICAL TRAITS ==

{| class="wikitable"

!TRAIT

!VAATA

!PITTA

!KAPHA

|-

| Body frame

| thin

| medium

| hefty

|-

| Finger nails

| cracking and thin

| pink and soft

| wide, white and thick

|-

| Hair

| thin and dry

| grey and bald

| silky, curly and dense

|-

| Resting pulse (early morning or before breakfast)

| 80 - 100

| 70 - 80

| 60 - 70

|-

| Weight

| low and bony

| medium and muscular

| often overweight

|-

| Bowel movements

| small, hard, with gas, frequently constipated

| loose and burning

| moderate and solid

|-

| Forehead size

| small

| medium,

| large

|-

| Appetite

| irregular

|strong and sharp

| constant and poor

|-

| Eyes

| small and unsteady

| reddish and cat eyed

| wide with large white part (sclera)

|-

| Lips

| thin and crackin

| medium and soft

| large and smooth

|-

| Skin

| Dry

| cherished and wrinkles

| oily and smooth

|-

| Voice

| stammering and weak

| commanding and sharp

| soft, sweet and resonating

|-

| Which most bothers you ?

| cold and dry

| heat and sun

| cold and damp

|-

.

.

.

|-

|}

== MENTAL TRAITS ==

{| class="wikitable"

!TRAIT

!VAATA

!PITTA

!KAPHA

|-

| Temperament

| nervous or fearful

| irritable or impatient

| easygoing

|-

| Speech

| quick or talkative

| moderate or argues

| slow or silent

|-

| Sleep pattern

| less and disturbed

| moderate

| sleepy and lazy

|-

| Habit

| travel

| sports or politics

| enjoying water and flowers

|-

| Memory

| quickly grasps, soon forgets

| sharp and clear

| slow to learn, never to forget

|-

| Beliefs

| radical or changing

| leader and goal oriented

| loyal and constant

|-

| Dream

| flying and anxious

| fighting and colourful

| few and romantic

|-

| Emotion

| enthusiastic but full of worries

| warm and angry

| calm and attached

|-

| Mind

| quick and adaptable

| penetrating and critical

| slow and lethargic

|-

.

.

.

|-

|}

It is very rare to find an Eka prakrti – person predominant of only one dosha like kevala vaata prakrti. Most of us are Dvandva or Dvidoshaja or dual prakrtis like Vaata – pitta, Pitta – kapha or Vaata – kapha. A person with all the three doshas in equal proportion is called Samadosha or tridoshaja prakrti.

Any food we intake increases or decreases one dosha or the other in our body. Similarly do all our activities. For instance, vaata prakrti persons intaking more vaata predominant foods are likely to suffer disorders of vaata origin. If we eat in line with our prakrti needs, we can lead a healthy life.

== References ==

[http://www.holisticonline.com/ayurveda/ayv-basis-prakruti-and-vikruti.htm]

[http://ayurveda-foryou.com/clinical_ayurveda/prakriti6.html]

Prakriti in Ayurveda

2009-05-13T16:28:51Z

Sangeetha Rajah:

'''Welcome to ''Hindupedia''!''' We hope you will contribute much and well.
You will probably want to read the [[Help:Contents|help pages]]. Again, welcome and have fun! [[User:Krishna Maheshwari|Krishna Maheshwari]] 15:20, 14 May 2008 (UTC)

== THE CONCEPT OF PRAKRTI IN AYURVEDA ==

By Sangeetha Rajah

Ayurveda accepts the view of Saankhya with regard to Srshti and Laya and Pramaanas. Purusha (chetana), along with Prakrti (sakti) is responsible for natural disposition of everything in this universe. Prakrti manifests itself in individuals differently according to different proportions of the three gunas Satva, Rajas and Tamas, which are but transformations of Prakrti.

In Ayurveda, this Prakrti represents the physical and mental constitution of an individual. A state of disease occurs whenever there is a deviation from the normal physical or mental constitution of a human being. Prakrti is employed to appreciate the nature of an individual and recognize the changes that occur due to disease, where there is a deviation from Prakrti.

== HOW IS PRAKRTI FORMED ? ==

Ayurveda believes that the temperament of a human is genetic in origin. Prakriti or Constitution is formed at the time of union of sperm and ovum inside the womb. Predominance of the three doshas, the five elements elements and the three gunas at the time of fertilization determines our physical and mental traits. Different individuals have different combinations of these doshas and gunas and hence each individual will have a unique Prakrti, just like each of us has a unique finger print.

Once formed, Prakrti remains constant for every individual for his entire lifetime. This Prakrti decides the disease tendency of an individual. Every individual is subjected to the constant interaction with his or her environment which will affect the person's constitution at any time. The body will try to maintain a dynamic equilibrium or balance with the environment. Although it reflects our ability to adjust to life's influences and is always changing, it should match our Prakrti or inborn constitution, as closely as possible.

== PRAKRTI AND VIKRTI ==

If the current proportion of our doshas differs significantly from our constitutional proportion, it indicates imbalances, which in turn can lead to illness. This deviation from Prakrti is called Vikrti. The farther our Vikrti is from our Prakrti, the more ill-prone we are.

The concept of Prakrti and Vikrti can be illustrated by reference to our body temperature. When healthy, we maintain an average body temperature of about 98* F. Although, different persons can have different base temperatures, it does not change much so long as the person is healthy. When we go outside on a winter day, our body temperature may go down slightly but will pick right back up to the normal if we are healthy. Similarly, jogging on a hot day can temporarily raise our body temperature. When we are sick, or catch a cold, our body temperature will go up. This indicates that we are sick or outside our normal base condition. Our present temperature may be considered as Vikrti and the difference between the Prakrti (our normal temperature) and Vikrti (our present temperature) can determine whether any medical intervention is required.

== PRAKRTI, THE THREE DOSHAS AND THE THREE GUNAS ==

The three doshas Vaata, Pitta and Kapha are composed of the five basic elements. On the other hand, the five elements possess one or more of the three gunas namely Satva, Rajas and Tamas.

According to Susruta Samhita, Aakaasa is predominant of Satva guna while Vaayu is predominant of Rajas. Agni is predominant of Satva and Rajas while Jala is predominant of Satva and Tamas. Prthvi is predominantly Taamasic.

{|class="wikitable"

!DOSHA

!BASIC ELEMENTS

!PREDOMINANT GUNA

|-

| VAATA

| Vaayu, Aakaasa

| Rajas

|-

| PITTA

| Agni, Jala

| Satva

|-

| KAPHA

| Prthvi, Jala

| Tamas

|-

.

.

.

|-

|}

As the entire universe is paancabhautika in nature, the food we eat and the activities we perform do have an impact on the proportions of the tridoshas and hence the five elements in our body. Thats why we say “You are what you eat “.

== TYPES OF PRAKRTI ==

Basically, Prakrti has been classified into two as

1. Saareerika - bodily and
2. Maanaseeka – mental

Based on the three doshas and their physical and physiological qualities, the Saaeerika Prakrti has been classified into seven namely

1. Vaata
2. Pitta
3. Kapha
4. Vaata – Pitta
5. Pitta – Kapha
6. Kapha – Vaata and
7. Tridoshaja or Sannipaata

Based on the three gunas and their emotional, behavioral, cognitive and mental abilities and qualities, the Maanaseeka Prakrti has been classified into three namely

1. Saatvika
2. Rajasiaka and
3. taamasika

In order to understand a person, it is necessary to first determine his or her Prakruti. By understanding the prakrti of a person, a vaidya is able to detect the changes in the Prakrti of the person. Using prakrti as base, he then diagnoses the disease employing some other factors (which will be dealt with later).

Irrespective of whether we are healthy or diseased, knowing our prakrti helps us to know ourselves better and live a healthy and peaceful life.

Given below is a table containing the characteristics of the different types of prakrtis.

==PHYSICAL TRAITS ==

{| class="wikitable"

!TRAIT

!VAATA

!PITTA

!KAPHA

|-

| Body frame

| thin

| medium

| hefty

|-

| Finger nails

| cracking and thin

| pink and soft

| wide, white and thick

|-

| Hair

| thin and dry

| grey and bald

| silky, curly and dense

|-

| Resting pulse (early morning or before breakfast)

| 80 - 100

| 70 - 80

| 60 - 70

|-

| Weight

| low and bony

| medium and muscular

| often overweight

|-

| Bowel movements

| small, hard, with gas, frequently constipated

| loose and burning

| moderate and solid

|-

| Forehead size

| small

| medium,

| large

|-

| Appetite

| irregular

|strong and sharp

| constant and poor

|-

| Eyes

| small and unsteady

| reddish and cat eyed

| wide with large white part (sclera)

|-

| Lips

| thin and crackin

| medium and soft

| large and smooth

|-

| Skin

| Dry

| cherished and wrinkles

| oily and smooth

|-

| Voice

| stammering and weak

| commanding and sharp

| soft, sweet and resonating

|-

| Which most bothers you ?

| cold and dry

| heat and sun

| cold and damp

|-

.

.

.

|-

|}

== MENTAL TRAITS ==

{| class="wikitable"

!TRAIT

!VAATA

!PITTA

!KAPHA

|-

| Temperament

| nervous or fearful

| irritable or impatient

| easygoing

|-

| Speech

| quick or talkative

| moderate or argues

| slow or silent

|-

| Sleep pattern

| less and disturbed

| moderate

| sleepy and lazy

|-

| Habit

| travel

| sports or politics

| enjoying water and flowers

|-

| Memory

| quickly grasps, soon forgets

| sharp and clear

| slow to learn, never to forget

|-

| Beliefs

| radical or changing

| leader and goal oriented

| loyal and constant

|-

| Dream

| flying and anxious

| fighting and colourful

| few and romantic

|-

| Emotion

| enthusiastic but full of worries

| warm and angry

| calm and attached

|-

| Mind

| quick and adaptable

| penetrating and critical

| slow and lethargic

|-

.

.

.

|-

|}

It is very rare to find an Eka prakrti – person predominant of only one dosha like kevala vaata prakrti. Most of us are Dvandva or Dvidoshaja or dual prakrtis like Vaata – pitta, Pitta – kapha or Vaata – kapha. A person with all the three doshas in equal proportion is called Samadosha or tridoshaja prakrti.

Any food we intake increases or decreases one dosha or the other in our body. Similarly do all our activities. For instance, vaata prakrti persons intaking more vaata predominant foods are likely to suffer disorders of vaata origin. If we eat in line with our prakrti needs, we can lead a healthy life.

== REFERENCE ==

[http://www.holisticonline.com/ayurveda/ayv-basis-prakruti-and-vikruti.htm]

[http://ayurveda-foryou.com/clinical_ayurveda/prakriti6.html]

Prakriti in Ayurveda

2009-05-13T16:27:32Z

Sangeetha Rajah:

Prakriti in Ayurveda

2009-05-12T06:22:56Z

Sangeetha Rajah: /* THE CONCEPT OF PRAKRTI IN AYURVEDA */ new section

'''Welcome to ''Hindupedia''!''' We hope you will contribute much and well.
You will probably want to read the [[Help:Contents|help pages]]. Again, welcome and have fun! [[User:Krishna Maheshwari|Krishna Maheshwari]] 15:20, 14 May 2008 (UTC)

== THE CONCEPT OF PRAKRTI IN AYURVEDA ==

By Sangeetha Rajah

The word Prakrti comprises of '''“Pra”''' and '''“Krti'''”. When used as a prefix to verbs, '''“Pra”''' means '''before''' or '''beginning'''. '''“Krti”''' means to '''create''', '''sustain''' or '''perfom'''.

According to Puranas, '''Pra''' is indicative of '''Satva''', while '''Kr''' is '''Rajasic''' and '''Ti''' is '''Tamasic''' in nature. Thus the word Prakrti encompasses in itself the three primary works of Creation, Sustenance and Dissolution of this universe, which can be attributed to the three gunas Rajas, Satva and Tamas respectively.

== WHAT IS PRAKRTI ? ==

The word Prakriti in Ayurveda denotes the physical and mental constitution of an individual. A state of disease occurs whenever there is a deviation from the normal physical or mental constitution of a human being. In Ayurveda, Prakrti plays a key role in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in a person.

== HOW IS PRAKRTI FORMED ? ==

Ayurveda believes that the temperament of a human is genetic in origin. Prakriti or Constitution is formed at the time of union of sperm and ovum inside the womb. Predominance of the three doshas, the five elements elements and the three gunas at the time of fertilization determines our physical and mental traits. Different individuals have different combinations of these doshas and gunas and hence each individual will have a unique Prakrti, just like each of us has a unique finger print.

Once formed, Prakrti remains constant for every individual for his entire lifetime. This Prakrti decides the disease tendency of an individual. Every individual is subjected to the constant interaction with his or her environment which will affect the person's constitution at any time. The body will try to maintain a dynamic equilibrium or balance with the environment. Although it reflects our ability to adjust to life's influences and is always changing, it should match our Prakrti or inborn constitution, as closely as possible.

== PRAKRTI AND VIKRTI ==

If the current proportion of our doshas differs significantly from our constitutional proportion, it indicates imbalances, which in turn can lead to illness. This deviation from Prakrti is called Vikrti. The farther our Vikrti is from our Prakrti, the more ill-prone we are.

The concept of Prakrti and Vikrti can be illustrated by reference to our body temperature. When healthy, we maintain an average body temperature of about 98* F. Although, different persons can have different base temperatures, it does not change much so long as the person is healthy. When we go outside on a winter day, our body temperature may go down slightly but will pick right back up to the normal if we are healthy. Similarly, jogging on a hot day can temporarily raise our body temperature. When we are sick, or catch a cold, our body temperature will go up. This indicates that we are sick or outside our normal base condition. Our present temperature may be considered as Vikrti and the difference between the Prakrti (our normal temperature) and Vikrti (our present temperature) can determine whether any medical intervention is required.

== PRAKRTI, THE THREE DOSHAS AND THE THREE GUNAS ==

The three doshas Vaata, Pitta and Kapha are composed of the five basic elements. On the other hand, the five elements possess one or more of the three gunas namely Satva, Rajas and Tamas.

According to Susruta Samhita, Aakaasa is predominant of Satva guna while Vaayu is predominant of Rajas. Agni is predominant of Satva and Rajas while Jala is predominant of Satva and Tamas. Prthvi is predominantly Taamasic.

{|class="wikitable"

!DOSHA

!BASIC ELEMENTS

!PREDOMINANT GUNA

|-

| VAATA

| Vaayu, Aakaasa

| Rajas

|-

| PITTA

| Agni, Jala

| Satva

|-

| KAPHA

| Prthvi, Jala

| Tamas

|-

.

.

.

|-

|}

As the entire universe is paancabhautika in nature, the food we eat and the activities we perform do have an impact on the proportions of the tridoshas and hence the five elements in our body. Thats why we say “You are what you eat “.

== TYPES OF PRAKRTI ==

Basically, Prakrti has been classified into two as

1. Saareerika - bodily and
2. Maanaseeka – mental

Based on the three doshas and their physical and physiological qualities, the Saaeerika Prakrti has been classified into seven namely

1. Vaata
2. Pitta
3. Kapha
4. Vaata – Pitta
5. Pitta – Kapha
6. Kapha – Vaata and
7. Tridoshaja or Sannipaata

Based on the three gunas and their emotional, behavioral, cognitive and mental abilities and qualities, the Maanaseeka Prakrti has been classified into three namely

1. Saatvika
2. Rajasiaka and
3. taamasika

In order to understand a person, it is necessary to first determine his or her Prakruti. By understanding the prakrti of a person, a vaidya is able to detect the changes in the Prakrti of the person. Using prakrti as base, he then diagnoses the disease employing some other factors (which will be dealt with later).

Irrespective of whether we are healthy or diseased, knowing our prakrti helps us to know ourselves better and live a healthy and peaceful life.

Given below is a table containing the characteristics of the different types of prakrtis.

==PHYSICAL TRAITS ==

{| class="wikitable"

!TRAIT

!VAATA

!PITTA

!KAPHA

|-

| Body frame

| thin

| medium

| hefty

|-

| Finger nails

| cracking and thin

| pink and soft

| wide, white and thick

|-

| Hair

| thin and dry

| grey and bald

| silky, curly and dense

|-

| Resting pulse (early morning or before breakfast)

| 80 - 100

| 70 - 80

| 60 - 70

|-

| Weight

| low and bony

| medium and muscular

| often overweight

|-

| Bowel movements

| small, hard, with gas, frequently constipated

| loose and burning

| moderate and solid

|-

| Forehead size

| small

| medium,

| large

|-

| Appetite

| irregular

|strong and sharp

| constant and poor

|-

| Eyes

| small and unsteady

| reddish and cat eyed

| wide with large white part (sclera)

|-

| Lips

| thin and crackin

| medium and soft

| large and smooth

|-

| Skin

| Dry

| cherished and wrinkles

| oily and smooth

|-

| Voice

| stammering and weak

| commanding and sharp

| soft, sweet and resonating

|-

| Which most bothers you ?

| cold and dry

| heat and sun

| cold and damp

|-

.

.

.

|-

|}

== MENTAL TRAITS ==

{| class="wikitable"

!TRAIT

!VAATA

!PITTA

!KAPHA

|-

| Temperament

| nervous or fearful

| irritable or impatient

| easygoing

|-

| Speech

| quick or talkative

| moderate or argues

| slow or silent

|-

| Sleep pattern

| less and disturbed

| moderate

| sleepy and lazy

|-

| Habit

| travel

| sports or politics

| enjoying water and flowers

|-

| Memory

| quickly grasps, soon forgets

| sharp and clear

| slow to learn, never to forget

|-

| Beliefs

| radical or changing

| leader and goal oriented

| loyal and constant

|-

| Dream

| flying and anxious

| fighting and colourful

| few and romantic

|-

| Emotion

| enthusiastic but full of worries

| warm and angry

| calm and attached

|-

| Mind

| quick and adaptable

| penetrating and critical

| slow and lethargic

|-

.

.

.

|-

|}

It is very rare to find an Eka prakrti – person predominant of only one dosha like kevala vaata prakrti. Most of us are Dvandva or Dvidoshaja or dual prakrtis like Vaata – pitta, Pitta – kapha or Vaata – kapha. A person with all the three doshas in equal proportion is called Samadosha or tridoshaja prakrti.

Any food we intake increases or decreases one dosha or the other in our body. Similarly do all our activities. For instance, vaata prakrti persons intaking more vaata predominant foods are likely to suffer disorders of vaata origin. If we eat in line with our prakrti needs, we can lead a healthy life.

== REFERENCE ==

[http://www.holisticonline.com/ayurveda/ayv-basis-prakruti-and-vikruti.htm]

[http://ayurveda-foryou.com/clinical_ayurveda/prakriti6.html]

Three Doshas

2009-02-10T17:19:42Z

Sangeetha Rajah:

<small>By [[User:Sangeetha Rajah|Sangeetha Rajah]]</small>

There are [[three doshas]] in our body namely Vaata, Pitta and Kapha and our health depends on the balance of these three entities in our body. We shall now see the nature and characteristics of these three doshas.
Though present all over the body, each dosha occupies certain locations in the body. Based on the various functions they perform, each dosha is divided into five sub-doshas.

==Vaata==
The word '''Vaata''' is derived from the [[Sanskrit]] root '''Va gatigandhanayoh'''. The word '''gati''' means '''movement.''' So Vata is the initiator of all life processes that are dynamic in nature. It is similar to the air/wind and possesses the following six qualities.

# Rooksha – dry
# Laghu – light
# Seeta – cold
# Khara – rough
# Sukshma – subtle (capable of passing through even the subtlest pore)
# Chala – moving, unstable

It represents the impulse in the communication network of the body – from brain to periphery, from tissue to tissue and cell to cell. Vaata is responsible for perception (pain), transmission and reaction. It brings a thought from the memory to consciousness, and transfers current experiences into memories. It inspires speech and is the base for laughter. In human physiology Vaata governs all such functions that involve somatic initiation and dynamism. It controls blood flow, elimination of wastes, breathing and the movement of thoughts across the mind.

Vaata governs breathing, blinking of the eyelids, movements in the muscles and tissues, pulsations in the heart, all expansions and contractions, the movements of cytoplasm and the cell membranes, and the movement of the single impulses in nerve cells. Vaata also governs feelings and emotions like freshness, nervousness, fear, anxiety, pain, tremors, and spasms.

Vaata is composed of Vaayu and Aakaasa. The proportion of these two elements determine how active Vaata is. The amount of ether (space) affects the ability of the air to gain momentum. If unrestricted, as in ocean, air can gain momentum and become forceful such as a hurricane.

===Location of Vaata===
Though all pervading by nature, Vaata has some specific locations in our body. They are the rectum and large intestine, urinary bladder, pelvic region, bones and bone marrow, ears and skin. Of these, the colon and large intestine are the main seats of Vaata. If vaata dosha increases in our body, it gets accumulated in these locations.

===Vaata Kaala===
Generally, Vaata dosha predominates at the end of digestion, at night and at old age.

===Types of Vaata===
The five types of Vaata based on location and functions are given in the following table.

{| class="wikitable"
!VAATA
!LOCATION
!FUNCTIONS
|-
| Praana Vaata
| Head
| governs the chest, throat, mind, heart, sense organs, intelligence, expectorating, sneezing, belching, inspiration and swallowing of food.
|-
| Udaana Vaata
| Chest
| controls the nose, navel, throat and is responsible for initiating speech, effort, enthusiasm, capacity to work, complexion, and memory.
|-
| Vyaana Vaata
| Heart
| regulates all body movements including walking, raising and lowering of the body parts, and opening and closing the eyes.
|-
| Samaana Vaata
| Navel
| It works in the alimentary tract,and other abdominal organs, holds food in the alimentary tract (absorbing nutrients and excreting wastes), helps digest food, separate nutrients from waste, and eliminates the waste.
|-
| Apaana Vaata
| Colon
| controls the waist, bladder, genitals, and thighs. Its main function is downward movement of wastes (feces, urine), reproductive fluid, menstrual fluid, also controls the downward movement of the fetus.
|-
|}

==Pitta==
The word '''Pitta''' is derived from the Sanskrit words '''Tapah Santaape''', which means '''burning''' or '''heat'''. Pitta dosha governs all transformations in the physiology, from the digestion of food to the metabolizing of feelings, emotions and sensory perceptions.

Pitta is similar to fire and comprises of the basic elements Agni and very less moisture (Jala). The seven qualities of Pitta are

# Sasneha – with moisture
# Teekshnam – penetrating
# Ushnam – hot
# Laghu - light
# Visram – possesses odour
# Saram – free flowing / viscous
# Dravam - liquid

Pitta is responsible for vision, maintenance of temperature, digestion, hunger, thirst, softness and suppleness, complexion, glow and metabolism at tissue levels. It increases heat and body temperature as well as appetite and thirst. It maintains the complexion, color and luster of skin.

It also controls psychological attributes like courage, fear, anger, ignorance or delusion or perplexity and composure of mind.

===Location of Pitta===
The main main sites of Pitta are the navel, body fluids, blood, sweat, skin, eyes and brain. Of these, the navel is considered important. Nabhi or the navel is the seat of Jatharaagni or the digestive fire.

===Pitta Kaala===
Pitta dosha is predominant during the day, in the middle of digestion and at middle age.

===Types of Pitta===
The following table explains the five types of Pitta, their locations and functions.

{| class="wikitable"
!PITTA
!LOCATION
!FUNCTIONS
|-
| Paachaka Pitta
| Gastro-intestinal tract
| The fire digests and transforms food, emulsifying food fats and separating absorbable nutrients from wastes, nourishes the other four Pittas.
|-
| Ranjaka Pitta
| Liver, stomach, spleen small intestine
| synthesis of hemoglobin and imparting red color to the blood.
|-
| Saadhaka Pitta
| Head and brain
| mental function such as knowledge, intelligence and consciousness by maintaining rhythmic and cardiac contractions.
|-
| Aalochaka Pitta
| Eyes
| It functions in perception of light.
|-
| Bhraajaka Pitta
| Skin
| keeps the skin warm and is responsible for its normal complexion and luster by keeping secretions from the sweat and sebaceous glands of the skin active.
|-
|}

==Kapha==
The word '''Kapha''' is derived from the Sanskrit root '''Slish''' which means '''to bind''' or '''hold together'''. Kapha dosha governs the structural integrity of the body, from giving it mass and stability to protecting it from the outside environment. It is the force which provides structure to everything from an individual atom or cell to the sturdy musculoskeletal frame. It gives strength, stability, and endurance--both physical and psychological--and promotes human emotions and capacities such as love, compassion, empathy, understanding, forgiveness, loyalty and patience.

One very important function of Kapha dosha in the human body is that it governs immunity and resistance against disease. Its energy promotes self-healing and the ongoing processes of self-repairs of which we are largely unaware.
The fluid component of Kapha is responsible for the maintenance and formation of body fluids. Because of its heavy and stable qualities, it is responsible for strength stability and firmness of body and mind. Because of its oily nature, it prevents friction between the two parts of the body.

In muscles, it gives strength to the body. In fact, it gives shape (form) to it. In the semen, it is responsible for fertility. The brain and nerves tissues predominantly contain Kapha molecules. Kapha of inferior quality in the brain produces a stab of ignorance, delusion, laziness and jealousy.

The seven qualities of kapha are

# Snigdha – unctuous
# Seeta – cool
# Guru – heavy
# Manda – lethargic / slow
# Slakshna – smooth
# Mrtsna – slimy
# Sthira - stable / solid

===Location of Kapha===
Kapha dosha is located in the chest, throat, head, stomach, fat, nose and tongue. Of these, the chest is considered important.

===Kapha Kaala===
Kapha is predominant at dawn, at the beginning of digestion and during childhood.

===Types of Kapha===
The five types of Kapha based on the locations and functions are as follows.

{| class="wikitable"
!KAPHA
!LOCATION
!FUNCTIONS
|-
| Kledaka Kapha
| Stomach and intestines upto colon
| dilutes the food taken, and also helps the digestion and supports the Kapha elements to work properly throughout the body.
|-
| Avalambaka Kapha
| Chest
| supports and gives strength to the heart, lungs and bone cage of the body.
|-
| Bodhaka Kapha
| Oral cavity and throat
| helps to appreciate taste by the tongue, moisten the food for easy ingestion and digestion.
|-
| Tarpaka Kapha
| Cranial cavity
| supports the nutrition of brain and nourishes the sense organs.
|-
| Sleshaka Kapha
| All joints
| provides nutrition to the ends of the bones, prevents friction during joint movements, supports to constitute and strengthen the body.
|-
|}

==References==
* [http://www.rajvaid.com/ayurveda.html]

[[Category:Ayurveda]]

Three Doshas

2009-02-09T18:57:48Z

Sangeetha Rajah: New page: Sangeetha Rajah There are three doshas in our body namely Vaata, Pitta and Kapha and our health depends on the balance of these three entities in our body. We shall now see the nature and...

Sangeetha Rajah

There are three doshas in our body namely Vaata, Pitta and Kapha and our health depends on the balance of these three entities in our body. We shall now see the nature and characteristics of these three doshas.
Though present all over the body, each dosha occupies certain locations in the body. Based on the various functions they perform, each dosha is divided into five sub-doshas.

== VAATA ==

The word '''Vaata''' is derived from the [[Sanskrit]] root '''Va gatigandhanayoh'''. The word '''gati''' means '''movement.''' So Vata is the initiator of all life processes that are dynamic in nature. It is similar to the air/wind and possesses the following six qualities.

1. Rooksha – dry
2. Laghu – light
3. Seeta – cold
4. Khara – rough
5. Sukshma – subtle (capable of passing through even the subtlest pore)
6. Chala – moving, unstable

It represents the impulse in the communication network of the body – from brain to periphery, from tissue to tissue and cell to cell. Vaata is responsible for perception (pain), transmission and reaction. It brings a thought from the memory to consciousness, and transfers current experiences into memories. It inspires speech and is the base for laughter. In human physiology Vaata governs all such functions that involve somatic initiation and dynamism. It controls blood flow, elimination of wastes, breathing and the movement of thoughts across the mind.

Vaata governs breathing, blinking of the eyelids, movements in the muscles and tissues, pulsations in the heart, all expansions and contractions, the movements of cytoplasm and the cell membranes, and the movement of the single impulses in nerve cells. Vaata also governs feelings and emotions like freshness, nervousness, fear, anxiety, pain, tremors, and spasms.

Vaata is composed of Vaayu and Aakaasa. The proportion of these two elements determine how active Vaata is. The amount of ether (space) affects the ability of the air to gain momentum. If unrestricted, as in ocean, air can gain momentum and become forceful such as a hurricane.

== LOCATION OF VAATA ==

Though all pervading by nature, Vaata has some specific locations in our body. They are the rectum and large intestine, urinary bladder, pelvic region, bones and bone marrow, ears and skin. Of these, the colon and large intestine are the main seats of Vaata. If vaata dosha increases in our body, it gets accumulated in these locations.

== VAATA KAALA ==

Generally, Vaata dosha predominates at the end of digestion, at night and at old age.

== TYPES OF VAATA ==

The five types of Vaata based on location and functions are given in the following table.

{| class="wikitable"

!VAATA

!LOCATION

!FUNCTIONS

|-

| 1.Praana Vaata

| Head

| governs the chest, throat, mind, heart, sense organs, intelligence, expectorating, sneezing, belching, inspiration and swallowing of food.

|-

| 2.Udaana Vaata

| Chest

| controls the nose, navel, throat and is responsible for initiating speech, effort, enthusiasm, capacity to work, complexion, and memory.

|-

| Vyaana Vaata

| Heart

| regulates all body movements including walking, raising and lowering of the body parts, and opening and closing the eyes.

|-

| 4.Samaana Vaata

| Navel

| It works in the alimentary tract,and other abdominal organs, holds food in the alimentary tract (absorbing nutrients and excreting wastes), helps digest food, separate nutrients from waste, and eliminates the waste.

|-

| Apaana Vaata

| Colon

| controls the waist, bladder, genitals, and thighs. Its main function is downward movement of wastes (feces, urine), reproductive fluid, menstrual fluid, also controls the downward movement of the fetus.

|-

.

.

.

|-

|}

== PITTA ==

The word '''Pitta''' is derived from the Sanskrit words '''Tapah Santaape''', which means '''burning''' or '''heat'''. Pitta dosha governs all transformations in the physiology, from the digestion of food to the metabolizing of feelings, emotions and sensory perceptions.

Pitta is similar to fire and comprises of the basic elements Agni and very less moisture (Jala). The seven qualities of Pitta are

1. Sasneha – with moisture
2. Teekshnam – penetrating
3. Ushnam – hot
4. Laghu - light
5. Visram – possesses odour
6. Saram – free flowing / viscous
7. Dravam - liquid

Pitta is responsible for vision, maintenance of temperature, digestion, hunger, thirst, softness and suppleness, complexion, glow and metabolism at tissue levels. It increases heat and body temperature as well as appetite and thirst. It maintains the complexion, color and luster of skin.

It also controls psychological attributes like courage, fear, anger, ignorance or delusion or perplexity and composure of mind.

== LOCATION OF PITTA ==

The main main sites of Pitta are the navel, body fluids, blood, sweat, skin, eyes and brain. Of these, the navel is considered important. Nabhi or the navel is the seat of Jatharaagni or the digestive fire.

== PITTA KAALA ==

Pitta dosha is predominant during the day, in the middle of digestion and at middle age.

== TYPES OF PITTA ==

The following table explains the five types of Pitta, their locations and functions.

{| class="wikitable"

!PITTA

!LOCATION

!FUNCTIONS

|-

| 1. Paachaka Pitta

| Gastro-intestinal tract

| The fire digests and transforms food, emulsifying food fats and separating absorbable nutrients from wastes, nourishes the other four Pittas.

|-

| 2. Ranjaka Pitta

| Liver, stomach, spleen small intestine

| synthesis of hemoglobin and imparting red color to the blood.

|-

| 3. Saadhaka Pitta

| Head and brain

| mental function such as knowledge, intelligence and consciousness by maintaining rhythmic and cardiac contractions.

|-

| 4. Aalochaka Pitta

| Eyes

| It functions in perception of light.

|-

| 5. Bhraajaka Pitta

| Skin

| keeps the skin warm and is responsible for its normal complexion and luster by keeping secretions from the sweat and sebaceous glands of the skin active.

|-

.

.

.

|-

|}

== KAPHA ==

The word '''Kapha''' is derived from the Sanskrit root '''Slish''' which means '''to bind''' or '''hold together'''. Kapha dosha governs the structural integrity of the body, from giving it mass and stability to protecting it from the outside environment. It is the force which provides structure to everything from an individual atom or cell to the sturdy musculoskeletal frame. It gives strength, stability, and endurance--both physical and psychological--and promotes human emotions and capacities such as love, compassion, empathy, understanding, forgiveness, loyalty and patience.

One very important function of Kapha dosha in the human body is that it governs immunity and resistance against disease. Its energy promotes self-healing and the ongoing processes of self-repairs of which we are largely unaware.
The fluid component of Kapha is responsible for the maintenance and formation of body fluids. Because of its heavy and stable qualities, it is responsible for strength stability and firmness of body and mind. Because of its oily nature, it prevents friction between the two parts of the body.

In muscles, it gives strength to the body. In fact, it gives shape (form) to it. In the semen, it is responsible for fertility. The brain and nerves tissues predominantly contain Kapha molecules. Kapha of inferior quality in the brain produces a stab of ignorance, delusion, laziness and jealousy.

The seven qualities of kapha are

1. Snigdha – unctuous
2. Seeta – cool
3. Guru – heavy
4. Manda – lethargic / slow
5. Slakshna – smooth
6. Mrtsna – slimy
7. Sthira - stable / solid

== LOCATION OF KAPHA ==

Kapha dosha is located in the chest, throat, head, stomach, fat, nose and tongue. Of these, the chest is considered important.

== KAPHA KAALA ==

Kapha is predominant at dawn, at the beginning of digestion and during childhood.

== TYPES OF KAPHA ==

The five types of Kapha based on the locations and functions are as follows.

{| class="wikitable"

!KAPHA

!LOCATION

!FUNCTIONS

|-

| 1. Kledaka Kapha

| Stomach and intestines upto colon

| dilutes the food taken, and also helps the digestion and supports the Kapha elements to work properly throughout the body.

|-

| 2. Avalambaka Kapha

| Chest

| supports and gives strength to the heart, lungs and bone cage of the body.

|-

| 3. Bodhaka Kapha

| Oral cavity and throat

| helps to appreciate taste by the tongue, moisten the food for easy ingestion and digestion.

|-

| 4. Tarpaka Kapha

| Cranial cavity

| supports the nutrition of brain and nourishes the sense organs.

|-

| 5. Sleshaka Kapha

| All joints

| provides nutrition to the ends of the bones, prevents friction during joint movements, supports to constitute and strengthen the body.

|-

.

.

.

|-

|}

== REFERENCES ==

[www.rajvaid.com]

Tattva

2008-06-08T05:17:19Z

Sangeetha Rajah:

== '''TATTVAS''' ==

The entire universe consists of various manifestations of God (the Universal Consciousness) which together form the basis of all our experiences. As these are just forms of Brahman - Ultimate Reality, they are themselves called primary realities, principles or categories of existence. In short, Tattvas.

The transformation of the spirit, pure consciousness, or Paramatma (Supreme Atma or Soul) through a cascade of tattvas from spirit through knowledge to lesser consciousness to matter is depicted here as an evolutionary process and the tattvas measure the distance between individual soul and matter on the distal end and pure consciousness on the proximal end.

The ancient Indian scriptures and the different schools of Indian thought analyse the process of universal emanation in their own unique ways. They are briefly described as follows.

TATTVA NUMBER
Shaivism 36
Vaishnavism 3. also 5 acc. to Gaudapada
Suddha 5
Suddhaasuddha 7
Asuddha 24

Now, the Tattvas in detail.

== '''5 SUDDHA TATTVAS''' ==

Actinic or Pure Spiritual Energy

'''1. Shiva-Tattva:''' As the Universe is the creation of God's Own Mind (the Supreme Intelligence), the first Reality or Tattva naturally is God (Shiva) Himself. This level of Reality consists of Pure, Infinite Consciousness.

'''2. Shakti-Tattva:''' The second level of Reality is that of Pure, Infinite Bliss which is the Power whereby God experiences the Boundless Joy of His Own Existence. For this reason it is known as Shakti-Tattva, the Principle or Category of Power.

'''3. Sadashiva-Tattva:''' The third level is that of Pure, Infinite Will-Power, being the Power whereby God experiences Himself as an Unlimited, Independent Force that is ready and able to perform any action He wishes. At this stage God forms the resolve to bring His Power of Creation into operation.

'''4. Ishvara-Tattva:''' The fourth level represents God's Power of Pure, Infinite Knowledge whereby He is able to know all things. At this stage God begins to conceive in His Mind the Universe to be created.

'''5. Satvidya-Tattva:''' The fifth level is that of Pure, Infinite Action. At this stage, the Divine Power of Action which is the Power whereby God may assume, or manifest Himself as, any form or shape, comes into operation.
Up to and including this stage, Creation is Ideal in the sense that it is very much one with the Mind of God just as a thought or idea is one with the mind of the person who conceives it. The Universe at this level is purely Spiritual and is inhabited by Spiritual Beings such as Gods (Angels), Enlightened Yogis (Siddhas), Sages (Rishis) and Saints (Sadhus) who are consciously aware of their Oneness with their Creator.
These evolved Souls are beings of great Spiritual power. Although they may assume any form and shape they wish, they have no bodies but may be described as radiant Orbs of Spirit for which reason they are known as Devas or Devatas (Radiant Ones).

== '''7 SUDDHAASUDDHA TATTVAS''' ==

Actinodic or Spiritual-Magnetic Energy

'''6. Maya-Tattva:''' This is God's Wondrous Power, that aspect of His Power of Action, whereby He performs the Miracle of Physical Creation. For this reason it is called the Magic Power of God or Maya Shakti.
At this stage something extraordinary happens. Just as the Sun is sometimes obscured by an eclipse or by a mist or cloud which conceals his radiant orb from human view, God's Infinite, Independent and Free Consciousness appears to become obscured by a layer of dense and opaque Consciousness. This dark veil of Consciousness provides the substance from which the Material Universe is created.

Thus, as the Sun envelops himself in clouds which produce rain which nourishes different forms of life, so also God obscures His Own Infinite Majesty and Glory and appears as, or manifests, the Material Universe teeming with innumerable forms of limited life.

Just as the Sun hides himself from human view by night in order to reveal the Stars and the Moon, so also God conceals His Highest Glory so that man may see the wonders of His Creation and understand the true Power of God.

'''7. Kalaa-Tattva:''' Due to God's Power of Obscuration His Five Divine Powers (Consciousness, Bliss, Will-Power, Knowledge and Action) assume limited forms giving rise to the first stage in limited creation, called Kalaa-Tattva. It represents the limited power of action whereby an embodied being is able to accomplish but a few things.

'''8. Vidya-Tattva:''' This is the stage at which the power of knowledge associated with a sentient creature is limited so that he can only know a few things.

'''9. Raaga-Tattva:''' At this stage a living being's will-power becomes limited so that he only desires limited things.

'''10. Kaala-Tattva:''' This is that stage at which a Soul's unlimited and uninterrupted happiness becomes temporary and limited. This temporariness gives rise to the experience of limited time.

'''11. Niyati-Tattva:''' This is the stage at which the Soul's consciousness becomes so limited as for him to have only a limited experience of himself.

'''12. Purusha-Tattva:''' This is the crucial point at which Consciousness, having become limited, comes into existence as an embodied Soul, complete with the above mentioned limited powers of consciousness, happiness, will, knowledge and action. Hence it is known as Purusha or personal Soul.

== '''24 ASUDDHA TATTVAS''' ==

Odic or Gross-Magnetic Energy

'''13. Pradhana-Tattva:''' Also known as Prakrti, it represents that aspect of the Soul which, following the limitation of his consciousness, becomes unconscious and forms the Soul's first objective experience. For this reason it is called Pradhana or Primary Matter from which all objective experience arises.

Pradhana consists of the three qualities (Gunas) of Light (Sattva), Darkness (Tamas) and Activity (Rajas), the last-named being the interaction of the first two. They are experienced as pleasure, insentience and pain, respectively and together represent the sum total of the Soul's future experiences such as thoughts, emotions and sense perceptions, resting within himself in potential form.

Pradhana corresponds to what Western psychology terms a person's "unconscious". While every Soul has his own Pradhana (or Unconscious), the Collective Unconscious is nothing but the Mind of God which is unknown and therefore "unconscious" to the personal Soul.

'''14. Buddhi-Tattva:''' This is the first product of Pradhana, formed from its light-aspect (Sattva), in which both Soul and his experiences reflect themselves as in a mirror, resulting in thought processes. In everyday life, Buddhi constitutes a Soul's Intellect or Power of Reasoning whereby he analyses his experiences and forms a judgement in respect of the same.

'''15. Ahamkara-Tattva:''' The offshoot of Buddhi-Tattva, it represents the Power of Personality or Identity whereby the Soul creates or builds a sense of Identity for himself out of sense perceptions, emotions, thoughts and memories. Hence it is called Ahamkara or "I-maker".

'''16. Manas-Tattva:''' The Lower Mind (as opposed to the Intellect or Higher Mind) whereby the Soul selects sense perceptions out of the general sense data, builds them into intelligible images, names and classifies them and presents them to the higher levels of the mind for further processing.

For the sake of convenience, the remaining 20 Tattvas are dealt with in groups of five.

Tattvas 17 to 21.The Five Faculties of Perception (Jnanendriyas):

'''17. srotra tattva:''' hearing (ears)
'''18. tvak tattva:''' touching (skin)
'''19. chakshu tattva:''' seeing (eyes)
'''20. rasanâ tattva:''' tasting (tongue)
'''21. ghrâna tattva:''' smelling (nose)

Hearing, Feeling by Touch, Seeing, Tasting and Smelling are the Soul's Powers of Perceptual Knowledge and extensions of the Lower Mind, whereby the Soul experiences the multitude of sense perceptions that constitute the external World.

Tattvas 22 to 26. The Five Faculties of Action (Karmendriyas):

'''22. vâk tattva:''' speech (voice)
'''23. pâni tattva:''' grasping (hands)
'''24. pâda tattva:''' walking (feet)
'''25. pâyu tattva:''' excretion (anus)
'''26. upastha tattva:''' procreation (genitals)

Speaking, Grasping, Moving About, Excreting and Sexual Activities are the Soul's Powers of responding to and interacting with, the external World.

Tattvas 27 to 31. The Five Primary Sensations (Tanmatras):

'''27. sabdha tattva:''' sound
'''28. sparsa tattva:''' feel/palpation
'''29. rûpa tattva:''' form
'''30. rasa tattva:''' taste
'''31. Gandha tattva:''' odor

Sound, Touch, Colour, Flavour and Odour constitute the Soul's sense data that together form his external experiences.

Tattvas 32 to 36. The Five Gross Elements of Matter (Maha Bhutas):

'''32. âkâsa tattva:''' ether
'''33. vâyu tattva:''' air
'''34. tejas tattva:''' fire
'''35. âpas tattva:''' water
'''36. prithivî tattva:''' earth

Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth are condensations of the above described Primary Sensations. They represent the constituent forces that in various combinations make up the material substance of which physical objects are made.
For example, that which gives solidity to an object, belongs to the Earth-Tattva. That which gives fluidity belongs to the Water-Tattva. That which gives form and shape belongs to Fire. That which gives movement belongs to Air. And that which gives location and extension in space (i.e., size, direction, etc.) belongs to Ether.

Due to variation in their materiality or subtlety, the Gross Tattvas are perceived variously. Earth is perceived by its qualities of odour, taste, colour, feel and sound; Water by its qualities of taste, colour, feel and sound; Fire by its qualities of colour, feel and sound; Air by its qualities of feel and sound; and Ether, being the most subtle, is perceived by its qualitiy of sound, only.

What becomes evident from the above is that the Tattvas are defined by their exclusive capacity to perform a specific function in the scheme of reality. And as the sole agent or acting force is Consciousness, it follows that the Tattvas are nothing but functions of Consciousness.

== '''REFERENCE''' ==

'''www.himalayanacademy.com'''

'''www.christinemoore.freeserve.uk'''

Tattva

2008-06-06T15:54:11Z

Sangeetha Rajah: New page: '''TATTVAS''' The entire universe consists of various manifestations of God (the Universal Consciousness) which together form the basi...

'''TATTVAS'''

The entire universe consists of various manifestations of God (the Universal Consciousness) which together form the basis of all our experiences. As these are just forms of Brahman - Ultimate Reality, they are themselves called primary realities, principles or categories of existence. In short, Tattvas.

The transformation of the spirit, pure consciousness, or Paramatma (Supreme Atma or Soul) through a cascade of tattvas from spirit through knowledge to lesser consciousness to matter is depicted here as an evolutionary process and the tattvas measure the distance between individual soul and matter on the distal end and pure consciousness on the proximal end.

The ancient Indian scriptures and the different schools of Indian thought analyse the process of universal emanation in their own unique ways. They are briefly described as follows.

TATTVA NUMBER
Shaivism 36
Vaishnavism 3. also 5 acc. to Gaudapada
Suddha 5
Suddhaasuddha 7
Asuddha 24

Now, the Tattvas in detail.

'''5 SUDDHA TATTVAS'''

Actinic or Pure Spiritual Energy

'''1. Shiva-Tattva:''' As the Universe is the creation of God's Own Mind (the Supreme Intelligence), the first Reality or Tattva naturally is God (Shiva) Himself. This level of Reality consists of Pure, Infinite Consciousness.

'''2. Shakti-Tattva:''' The second level of Reality is that of Pure, Infinite Bliss which is the Power whereby God experiences the Boundless Joy of His Own Existence. For this reason it is known as Shakti-Tattva, the Principle or Category of Power.

'''3. Sadashiva-Tattva:''' The third level is that of Pure, Infinite Will-Power, being the Power whereby God experiences Himself as an Unlimited, Independent Force that is ready and able to perform any action He wishes. At this stage God forms the resolve to bring His Power of Creation into operation.

'''4. Ishvara-Tattva:''' The fourth level represents God's Power of Pure, Infinite Knowledge whereby He is able to know all things. At this stage God begins to conceive in His Mind the Universe to be created.

'''5. Satvidya-Tattva:''' The fifth level is that of Pure, Infinite Action. At this stage, the Divine Power of Action which is the Power whereby God may assume, or manifest Himself as, any form or shape, comes into operation.
Up to and including this stage, Creation is Ideal in the sense that it is very much one with the Mind of God just as a thought or idea is one with the mind of the person who conceives it. The Universe at this level is purely Spiritual and is inhabited by Spiritual Beings such as Gods (Angels), Enlightened Yogis (Siddhas), Sages (Rishis) and Saints (Sadhus) who are consciously aware of their Oneness with their Creator.
These evolved Souls are beings of great Spiritual power. Although they may assume any form and shape they wish, they have no bodies but may be described as radiant Orbs of Spirit for which reason they are known as Devas or Devatas (Radiant Ones).

'''7 SUDDHÅASUDDHA TATTVAS'''

Actinodic or Spiritual-Magnetic Energy

'''6. Maya-Tattva:''' This is God's Wondrous Power, that aspect of His Power of Action, whereby He performs the Miracle of Physical Creation. For this reason it is called the Magic Power of God or Maya Shakti.
At this stage something extraordinary happens. Just as the Sun is sometimes obscured by an eclipse or by a mist or cloud which conceals his radiant orb from human view, God's Infinite, Independent and Free Consciousness appears to become obscured by a layer of dense and opaque Consciousness. This dark veil of Consciousness provides the substance from which the Material Universe is created.

Thus, as the Sun envelops himself in clouds which produce rain which nourishes different forms of life, so also God obscures His Own Infinite Majesty and Glory and appears as, or manifests, the Material Universe teeming with innumerable forms of limited life.

Just as the Sun hides himself from human view by night in order to reveal the Stars and the Moon, so also God conceals His Highest Glory so that man may see the wonders of His Creation and understand the true Power of God.

'''7. Kalaa-Tattva:''' Due to God's Power of Obscuration His Five Divine Powers (Consciousness, Bliss, Will-Power, Knowledge and Action) assume limited forms giving rise to the first stage in limited creation, called Kalaa-Tattva. It represents the limited power of action whereby an embodied being is able to accomplish but a few things.

'''8. Vidya-Tattva:''' This is the stage at which the power of knowledge associated with a sentient creature is limited so that he can only know a few things.

'''9. Raaga-Tattva:''' At this stage a living being's will-power becomes limited so that he only desires limited things.

'''10. Kaala-Tattva:''' This is that stage at which a Soul's unlimited and uninterrupted happiness becomes temporary and limited. This temporariness gives rise to the experience of limited time.

'''11. Niyati-Tattva:''' This is the stage at which the Soul's consciousness becomes so limited as for him to have only a limited experience of himself.

'''12. Purusha-Tattva:''' This is the crucial point at which Consciousness, having become limited, comes into existence as an embodied Soul, complete with the above mentioned limited powers of consciousness, happiness, will, knowledge and action. Hence it is known as Purusha or personal Soul.

'''24 ASUDDHA TATTVAS'''

Odic or Gross-Magnetic Energy

'''13. Pradhana-Tattva:''' Also known as Prakrti, it represents that aspect of the Soul which, following the limitation of his consciousness, becomes unconscious and forms the Soul's first objective experience. For this reason it is called Pradhana or Primary Matter from which all objective experience arises.

Pradhana consists of the three qualities (Gunas) of Light (Sattva), Darkness (Tamas) and Activity (Rajas), the last-named being the interaction of the first two. They are experienced as pleasure, insentience and pain, respectively and together represent the sum total of the Soul's future experiences such as thoughts, emotions and sense perceptions, resting within himself in potential form.

Pradhana corresponds to what Western psychology terms a person's "unconscious". While every Soul has his own Pradhana (or Unconscious), the Collective Unconscious is nothing but the Mind of God which is unknown and therefore "unconscious" to the personal Soul.

'''14. Buddhi-Tattva:''' This is the first product of Pradhana, formed from its light-aspect (Sattva), in which both Soul and his experiences reflect themselves as in a mirror, resulting in thought processes. In everyday life, Buddhi constitutes a Soul's Intellect or Power of Reasoning whereby he analyses his experiences and forms a judgement in respect of the same.

'''15. Ahamkara-Tattva:''' The offshoot of Buddhi-Tattva, it represents the Power of Personality or Identity whereby the Soul creates or builds a sense of Identity for himself out of sense perceptions, emotions, thoughts and memories. Hence it is called Ahamkara or "I-maker".

'''16. Manas-Tattva:''' The Lower Mind (as opposed to the Intellect or Higher Mind) whereby the Soul selects sense perceptions out of the general sense data, builds them into intelligible images, names and classifies them and presents them to the higher levels of the mind for further processing.

For the sake of convenience, the remaining 20 Tattvas are dealt with in groups of five.

Tattvas 17 to 21.The Five Faculties of Perception (Jnanendriyas):

'''17. srotra tattva:''' hearing (ears)
'''18. tvak tattva:''' touching (skin)
'''19. chakshu tattva:''' seeing (eyes)
'''20. rasanâ tattva:''' tasting (tongue)
'''21. ghrâna tattva:''' smelling (nose)

Hearing, Feeling by Touch, Seeing, Tasting and Smelling are the Soul's Powers of Perceptual Knowledge and extensions of the Lower Mind, whereby the Soul experiences the multitude of sense perceptions that constitute the external World.

Tattvas 22 to 26. The Five Faculties of Action (Karmendriyas):

'''22. vâk tattva:''' speech (voice)
'''23. pâni tattva:''' grasping (hands)
'''24. pâda tattva:''' walking (feet)
'''25. pâyu tattva:''' excretion (anus)
'''26. upastha tattva:''' procreation (genitals)

Speaking, Grasping, Moving About, Excreting and Sexual Activities are the Soul's Powers of responding to and interacting with, the external World.

Tattvas 27 to 31. The Five Primary Sensations (Tanmatras):

'''27. sabdha tattva:''' sound
'''28. sparsa tattva:''' feel/palpation
'''29. rûpa tattva:''' form
'''30. rasa tattva:''' taste
'''31. Gandha tattva:''' odor

Sound, Touch, Colour, Flavour and Odour constitute the Soul's sense data that together form his external experiences.

Tattvas 32 to 36. The Five Gross Elements of Matter (Maha Bhutas):

'''32. âkâsa tattva:''' ether
'''33. vâyu tattva:''' air
'''34. tejas tattva:''' fire
'''35. âpas tattva:''' water
'''36. prithivî tattva:''' earth

Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth are condensations of the above described Primary Sensations. They represent the constituent forces that in various combinations make up the material substance of which physical objects are made.
For example, that which gives solidity to an object, belongs to the Earth-Tattva. That which gives fluidity belongs to the Water-Tattva. That which gives form and shape belongs to Fire. That which gives movement belongs to Air. And that which gives location and extension in space (i.e., size, direction, etc.) belongs to Ether.

Due to variation in their materiality or subtlety, the Gross Tattvas are perceived variously. Earth is perceived by its qualities of odour, taste, colour, feel and sound; Water by its qualities of taste, colour, feel and sound; Fire by its qualities of colour, feel and sound; Air by its qualities of feel and sound; and Ether, being the most subtle, is perceived by its qualitiy of sound, only.

What becomes evident from the above is that the Tattvas are defined by their exclusive capacity to perform a specific function in the scheme of reality. And as the sole agent or acting force is Consciousness, it follows that the Tattvas are nothing but functions of Consciousness.

'''REFERENCE'''

'''www.himalayanacademy.com'''

'''www.christinemoore.freeserve.uk'''

Main Page

2008-06-06T15:27:36Z

Sangeetha Rajah: /* Core Concepts */

==Welcome to Hindupedia: The Hindu Encyclopedia==

===Mission Statement===

Hindupedia is devoted to educating the public about all aspects of Hinduism ranging from
history and philosophy to current events that impact Hindus. We will strive to hold
ourselves to the highest level of integrity and provide a factual and neutral perspective on
all topics. On contentious issues, we will strive to present the information from all sides
and provide the reader with a holistic view of the issue.

We are the only online Hindu encyclopedia that provides the public with a Hindu perspective on
our religion and way of life.

EDITORS OF HINDUPEDIA

Every editor of Hindupedia will to the best of his/her ability strive to maintain the high standards
required of this type of effort and ensure that Hindupedia continues to be the best source of
unbiased information on Hinduism.

There are [[Special:Statistics | '''{{NUMBEROFARTICLES}}''']] articles on Hindupedia.

==Table of Contents==

* [[Overview]]

===Vedic Knowledge===
* [[Texts and treatises]]
* [[Overview Of Scriptures]]
* [[Veda]]
* [[Vedanga]]
* [[Upanga]]
* [[Upaveda]]
* [[Darsana]]
* [[Smriti]]
* [[Agama]]
* [[Purana]]
* [[Itihasa]]

===Core Concepts===
* [[Basic Concepts in Indian Philosophical Systems]]
* [[Vedanta]] (Schools of Philosophy)
* [[Shanmata]] (Theistic/Devotional Sects)
* [[Means to Salvation]]
* [[Principle of Transcendence]]
* [[Cyclic Nature of Time]]
* [[Philosophy of Salvation]]
* [[Cycle of Birth & Death]]
* [[Puja]] (Worship)
* [[Devata]]
* [[Mantra]]
* [[Yajna]]
* [[Consciousness Studies]]
* [[Hindu View of Patriotism]]
* [[Yoga]]

===Individual and Social Life===
* [[Dharma]]
* [[Karma]]
* [[Purushartha]]
* [[Varna Ashrama Dharma]]
* [[Women]]
* [[Institutions]]

===Popular Religion===
* [[Festivals]]
* [[Pilgrimages]]
* [[Temples]]
* [[Sants|Great Sages]]
* [[Sansthas]]
* [[Hindu Organizations|Organizations]]
* [[Dieties]]
* [[Stotra]]
* [[Institutes]]

===Sciences===
* [[Philosophy of Indian Science and Texts]]
* [[Ayurveda]]
* [[Jyotish]] ([[Astrology]])
* [[Metallurgy]]
* [[Mathematics]]
* [[Astronomy]]
* [[Cosmology]]
* [[Physical Sciences]]
* [[Alchemy-Chemistry]]
* [[Engineering and Technology]]
* [[Vastu]]

===Arts===
* [[Philosophy of Indian Art and Texts]]
* [[Symbols]]
* [[Dance]]
* [[Music]]
* [[Sculpture]]
* [[Poetry]]

===Civilization===
* [[Agriculture]]
* [[Town Planning]]
* [[Social Structure]]
* [[Polity and Governance]]
* [[Economy]]
* [[Trade and Shipping]]
* [[Culture]]
* [[Customs]]

===History===
* [[Origins]]
* [[Political History]]
* [[Revolutionaries]]
* [[Kingdoms]]
* [[Great Battles & Campaigns]]
* [[The spread of Hinduism]]

* [[History of Education]]
* [[History of Sciences]]
* [[History of Social Changes]]
* [[History of Religion]]

===Nastika Systems of thought===
* [[Charvaka]]

===Outgrowths of Hinduism===
* [[Buddhism]]
* [[Jainism|Jain Dharma]]
* [[Sikhism|Sikh Dharma]]

===Interactions with Abrahamic Religions===
* [[Islam]]
* [[Christianity]]
* [[Judaism]]

* [[Terms and Definitions]]
* [[Special:AllPages|Article Glossary]]

__NOTOC__

Main Page

2008-06-06T15:24:07Z

Sangeetha Rajah: /* Core Concepts */

==Welcome to Hindupedia: The Hindu Encyclopedia==

===Mission Statement===

Hindupedia is devoted to educating the public about all aspects of Hinduism ranging from
history and philosophy to current events that impact Hindus. We will strive to hold
ourselves to the highest level of integrity and provide a factual and neutral perspective on
all topics. On contentious issues, we will strive to present the information from all sides
and provide the reader with a holistic view of the issue.

We are the only online Hindu encyclopedia that provides the public with a Hindu perspective on
our religion and way of life.

EDITORS OF HINDUPEDIA

Every editor of Hindupedia will to the best of his/her ability strive to maintain the high standards
required of this type of effort and ensure that Hindupedia continues to be the best source of
unbiased information on Hinduism.

There are [[Special:Statistics | '''{{NUMBEROFARTICLES}}''']] articles on Hindupedia.

==Table of Contents==

* [[Overview]]

===Vedic Knowledge===
* [[Texts and treatises]]
* [[Overview Of Scriptures]]
* [[Veda]]
* [[Vedanga]]
* [[Upanga]]
* [[Upaveda]]
* [[Darsana]]
* [[Smriti]]
* [[Agama]]
* [[Purana]]
* [[Itihasa]]

===Core Concepts===
* Basic Concepts in Indian Philosophical Systems
* [[Vedanta]] (Schools of Philosophy)
* [[Shanmata]] (Theistic/Devotional Sects)
* [[Means to Salvation]]
* [[Principle of Transcendence]]
* [[Cyclic Nature of Time]]
* [[Philosophy of Salvation]]
* [[Cycle of Birth & Death]]
* [[Puja]] (Worship)
* [[Devata]]
* [[Mantra]]
* [[Yajna]]
* [[Consciousness Studies]]
* [[Hindu View of Patriotism]]
* [[Yoga]]

===Individual and Social Life===
* [[Dharma]]
* [[Karma]]
* [[Purushartha]]
* [[Varna Ashrama Dharma]]
* [[Women]]
* [[Institutions]]

===Popular Religion===
* [[Festivals]]
* [[Pilgrimages]]
* [[Temples]]
* [[Sants|Great Sages]]
* [[Sansthas]]
* [[Hindu Organizations|Organizations]]
* [[Dieties]]
* [[Stotra]]
* [[Institutes]]

===Sciences===
* [[Philosophy of Indian Science and Texts]]
* [[Ayurveda]]
* [[Jyotish]] ([[Astrology]])
* [[Metallurgy]]
* [[Mathematics]]
* [[Astronomy]]
* [[Cosmology]]
* [[Physical Sciences]]
* [[Alchemy-Chemistry]]
* [[Engineering and Technology]]
* [[Vastu]]

===Arts===
* [[Philosophy of Indian Art and Texts]]
* [[Symbols]]
* [[Dance]]
* [[Music]]
* [[Sculpture]]
* [[Poetry]]

===Civilization===
* [[Agriculture]]
* [[Town Planning]]
* [[Social Structure]]
* [[Polity and Governance]]
* [[Economy]]
* [[Trade and Shipping]]
* [[Culture]]
* [[Customs]]

===History===
* [[Origins]]
* [[Political History]]
* [[Revolutionaries]]
* [[Kingdoms]]
* [[Great Battles & Campaigns]]
* [[The spread of Hinduism]]

* [[History of Education]]
* [[History of Sciences]]
* [[History of Social Changes]]
* [[History of Religion]]

===Nastika Systems of thought===
* [[Charvaka]]

===Outgrowths of Hinduism===
* [[Buddhism]]
* [[Jainism|Jain Dharma]]
* [[Sikhism|Sikh Dharma]]

===Interactions with Abrahamic Religions===
* [[Islam]]
* [[Christianity]]
* [[Judaism]]

* [[Terms and Definitions]]
* [[Special:AllPages|Article Glossary]]

__NOTOC__

Main Page

2008-06-02T10:25:23Z

Sangeetha Rajah: /* Core Concepts */

==Welcome to Hindupedia: The Hindu Encyclopedia==

===Mission Statement===

Hindupedia is devoted to educating the public about all aspects of Hinduism ranging from
history and philosophy to current events that impact Hindus. We will strive to hold
ourselves to the highest level of integrity and provide a factual and neutral perspective on
all topics. On contentious issues, we will strive to present the information from all sides
and provide the reader with a holistic view of the issue.

We are the only online Hindu encyclopedia that provides the public with a Hindu perspective on
our religion and way of life.

EDITORS OF HINDUPEDIA

Every editor of Hindupedia will to the best of his/her ability strive to maintain the high standards
required of this type of effort and ensure that Hindupedia continues to be the best source of
unbiased information on Hinduism.

There are [[Special:Statistics | '''{{NUMBEROFARTICLES}}''']] articles on Hindupedia.

==Table of Contents==

* [[Overview]]

===Vedic Knowledge===
* [[Texts and treatises]]
* [[Overview Of Scriptures]]
* [[Veda]]
* [[Vedanga]]
* [[Upanga]]
* [[Upaveda]]
* [[Darsana]]
* [[Smriti]]
* [[Agama]]
* [[Purana]]
* [[Itihasa]]

===Core Concepts===
* [[Vedanta]] (Schools of Philosophy)
* [[Shanmata]] (Theistic/Devotional Sects)
* [[Means to Salvation]]
* [[Principle of Transcendence]]
* [[Cyclic Nature of Time]]
* [[Philosophy of Salvation]]
* [[Cycle of Birth & Death]]
* [[Puja]] (Worship)
* [[Devata]]
* [[Mantra]]
* [[Yajna]]
* [[Consciousness Studies]]
* [[Hindu View of Patriotism]]
* [[Yoga]]

===Individual and Social Life===
* [[Dharma]]
* [[Karma]]
* [[Purushartha]]
* [[Varna Ashrama Dharma]]
* [[Women]]
* [[Institutions]]

===Popular Religion===
* [[Festivals]]
* [[Pilgrimages]]
* [[Temples]]
* [[Sants|Great Sages]]
* [[Sansthas]]
* [[Hindu Organizations|Organizations]]
* [[Dieties]]
* [[Stotra]]
* [[Institutes]]

===Sciences===
* [[Philosophy of Indian Science and Texts]]
* [[Ayurveda]]
* [[Jyotish]] ([[Astrology]])
* [[Metallurgy]]
* [[Mathematics]]
* [[Astronomy]]
* [[Cosmology]]
* [[Physical Sciences]]
* [[Alchemy-Chemistry]]
* [[Engineering and Technology]]
* [[Vastu]]

===Arts===
* [[Philosophy of Indian Art and Texts]]
* [[Symbols]]
* [[Dance]]
* [[Music]]
* [[Sculpture]]
* [[Poetry]]

===Civilization===
* [[Agriculture]]
* [[Town Planning]]
* [[Social Structure]]
* [[Polity and Governance]]
* [[Economy]]
* [[Trade and Shipping]]
* [[Culture]]
* [[Customs]]

===History===
* [[Origins]]
* [[Political History]]
* [[Revolutionaries]]
* [[Kingdoms]]
* [[Great Battles & Campaigns]]
* [[The spread of Hinduism]]

* [[History of Education]]
* [[History of Sciences]]
* [[History of Social Changes]]
* [[History of Religion]]

===Nastika Systems of thought===
* [[Charvaka]]

===Outgrowths of Hinduism===
* [[Buddhism]]
* [[Jainism|Jain Dharma]]
* [[Sikhism|Sikh Dharma]]

===Interactions with Abrahamic Religions===
* [[Islam]]
* [[Christianity]]
* [[Judaism]]

* [[Terms and Definitions]]
* [[Special:AllPages|Article Glossary]]

__NOTOC__

Main Page

2008-06-02T10:24:21Z

Sangeetha Rajah: /* Core Concepts */

==Welcome to Hindupedia: The Hindu Encyclopedia==

===Mission Statement===

Hindupedia is devoted to educating the public about all aspects of Hinduism ranging from
history and philosophy to current events that impact Hindus. We will strive to hold
ourselves to the highest level of integrity and provide a factual and neutral perspective on
all topics. On contentious issues, we will strive to present the information from all sides
and provide the reader with a holistic view of the issue.

We are the only online Hindu encyclopedia that provides the public with a Hindu perspective on
our religion and way of life.

EDITORS OF HINDUPEDIA

Every editor of Hindupedia will to the best of his/her ability strive to maintain the high standards
required of this type of effort and ensure that Hindupedia continues to be the best source of
unbiased information on Hinduism.

There are [[Special:Statistics | '''{{NUMBEROFARTICLES}}''']] articles on Hindupedia.

==Table of Contents==

* [[Overview]]

===Vedic Knowledge===
* [[Texts and treatises]]
* [[Overview Of Scriptures]]
* [[Veda]]
* [[Vedanga]]
* [[Upanga]]
* [[Upaveda]]
* [[Darsana]]
* [[Smriti]]
* [[Agama]]
* [[Purana]]
* [[Itihasa]]

===Core Concepts===
* Concepts Found in Indian Philosophical Systems
* [[Vedanta]] (Schools of Philosophy)
* [[Shanmata]] (Theistic/Devotional Sects)
* [[Means to Salvation]]
* [[Principle of Transcendence]]
* [[Cyclic Nature of Time]]
* [[Philosophy of Salvation]]
* [[Cycle of Birth & Death]]
* [[Puja]] (Worship)
* [[Devata]]
* [[Mantra]]
* [[Yajna]]
* [[Consciousness Studies]]
* [[Hindu View of Patriotism]]
* [[Yoga]]

===Individual and Social Life===
* [[Dharma]]
* [[Karma]]
* [[Purushartha]]
* [[Varna Ashrama Dharma]]
* [[Women]]
* [[Institutions]]

===Popular Religion===
* [[Festivals]]
* [[Pilgrimages]]
* [[Temples]]
* [[Sants|Great Sages]]
* [[Sansthas]]
* [[Hindu Organizations|Organizations]]
* [[Dieties]]
* [[Stotra]]
* [[Institutes]]

===Sciences===
* [[Philosophy of Indian Science and Texts]]
* [[Ayurveda]]
* [[Jyotish]] ([[Astrology]])
* [[Metallurgy]]
* [[Mathematics]]
* [[Astronomy]]
* [[Cosmology]]
* [[Physical Sciences]]
* [[Alchemy-Chemistry]]
* [[Engineering and Technology]]
* [[Vastu]]

===Arts===
* [[Philosophy of Indian Art and Texts]]
* [[Symbols]]
* [[Dance]]
* [[Music]]
* [[Sculpture]]
* [[Poetry]]

===Civilization===
* [[Agriculture]]
* [[Town Planning]]
* [[Social Structure]]
* [[Polity and Governance]]
* [[Economy]]
* [[Trade and Shipping]]
* [[Culture]]
* [[Customs]]

===History===
* [[Origins]]
* [[Political History]]
* [[Revolutionaries]]
* [[Kingdoms]]
* [[Great Battles & Campaigns]]
* [[The spread of Hinduism]]

* [[History of Education]]
* [[History of Sciences]]
* [[History of Social Changes]]
* [[History of Religion]]

===Nastika Systems of thought===
* [[Charvaka]]

===Outgrowths of Hinduism===
* [[Buddhism]]
* [[Jainism|Jain Dharma]]
* [[Sikhism|Sikh Dharma]]

===Interactions with Abrahamic Religions===
* [[Islam]]
* [[Christianity]]
* [[Judaism]]

* [[Terms and Definitions]]
* [[Special:AllPages|Article Glossary]]

__NOTOC__