Prakriti

Primordial nature, the matrix of all material and mental manifestation. Prakriti includes not only the physical world, but also mind, intellect, and ego — everything that can be observed.

It is composed of three gunas (sattva, rajas, tamas) whose constant interaction produces the diversity of the universe. In its unmanifest state (avyakta), the gunas are in equilibrium; upon manifestation, they create the 23 categories of existence in Samkhya.

Yoga practice refines prakriti, cultivating sattva until the mind becomes so transparent that purusha can recognize itself.