A-AS Level (CIE) Hinduism: Specimen Questions with Answers 35 - 35 of 41

Explanation

• Prakriti means Nature. Here, in Hinduism- nature means the real essence (satta) of one is existence.

• As per Veda, Prakriti is of two types- 1) Apara prakriti (lower nature), 2) Para prakriti (higher nature).

• Apara prakriti deals with each and everything that is perishable in nature made up of five elements (pancha bhootas), three gunas (sattva, rajas, tamas), five senses (pancha indriyas) etc. It is considered as matter principle (Jada). Changes or modifications can be taken place in Apara prakriti. This prakriti is totally depends upon Para prakriti for its existence.

• Para prakriti deals with the eternal nature of the supreme soul. It is considered as consciousness principle (chetana). It neither can create nor can be destroyed. Moreover, this (Para prakriti) conscious matter is called God (Iswara). It is free from experience, observance, remembrance etc. without any physical attribute. It exists beyond the time and space.

• When we compare both the prakriti-, we can conclude that, Apara is a myth or illusion (Maya) that which have some characteristics or attributes. However, Para is Truth (satyam) and independent.

• According to lord Krishna in Bhagavat gita- “apareyam ita tatvam anyam prakritim viddi jivam bhutam mahabaho yayetam dharyate Jagat. ” It clearly states that- apart from Apara prakriti (inferior nature), there is a superior energy of mine (para prakriti), that which all creatures struggling with the material aspects and sustaining this universe.

• Swami Sri Ramakrishna Paramahmsa makes this theory much more very easy to understand. As per his words- “Suppose a thorn has pierced a man’s foot. He picks another thorn to pull out the first one. Then he throws both away. One should use the thorn of knowledge to pull out the thorn of ignorance. “

• That is why lord Krishna as an eternal soul (supreme soul), urges everyone to go beyond all these Prakritis.

• Above mentioned all are the main features of both Para and Apara prakriti, as per the Hinduism.