Matter

[SanskAI]

All matter is based on three inert gunas (qualities or tendencies):

• Sattva (goodness)
• Rajas (passion)
• Tamas (darkness)

There are three states of the gunas that make up all matter in the universe:

• Pradhana (root matter): gunas in an unmixed and unmanifested state (equilibrium).
• Prakriti (primal matter): gunas in a mixed and unmanifested state.
• Universe (matter): gunas in a mixed and manifested state.

Pradhana, which has no consciousness or will to act on its own, is initially agitated by a primal desire to create. The different schools of thought differ in understanding about the ultimate source of that desire and what the gunas are mixed with (eternal elements, time, jiva-atmas).
The manifest material elements (matter) range from the most subtle to the most physical (gross). These material elements cover the individual, spiritual jiva-atmas (embodied souls), allowing them to interact with the material sense objects, such as their temporary material bodies, other conscious bodies, and unconscious objects.
Manifested subtle elements:

• Ahamkara (ego)
• Buddhi (intelligence)
• Citta (mind)

Manifested physical (gross) elements (a.k.a. Pancha Bhoota or 5 great elements) and their associated senses and sense organs that manifest:

• space/ether > sound > ear
• air > smell > nose
• fire > sight/form > eye
• water > taste > tongue
• earth > touch > skin