Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 21
Brahmā’s Day, the Four Pralayas, and the Supreme Shelter Beyond Cause–Effect
न यत्र वाचो न मनो न सत्त्वं तमो रजो वा महदादयोऽमी । न प्राणबुद्धीन्द्रियदेवता वा न सन्निवेश: खलु लोककल्प: ॥ २० ॥ न स्वप्नजाग्रन्न च तत् सुषुप्तं न खं जलं भूरनिलोऽग्निरर्क: । संसुप्तवच्छून्यवदप्रतर्क्यं तन्मूलभूतं पदमामनन्ति ॥ २१ ॥
na yatra vāco na mano na sattvaṁ tamo rajo vā mahad-ādayo ’mī na prāṇa-buddhīndriya-devatā vā na sanniveśaḥ khalu loka-kalpaḥ
In the unmanifest stage of material nature, called pradhāna, there is no expression of words, no mind and no manifestation of the subtle elements beginning from the mahat, nor are there the modes of goodness, passion and ignorance. There is no life air or intelligence, nor any senses or demigods. There is no definite arrangement of planetary systems, nor are there present the different stages of consciousness — sleep, wakefulness and deep sleep. There is no ether, water, earth, air, fire or sun. The situation is just like that of complete sleep, or of voidness. Indeed, it is indescribable. Authorities in spiritual science explain, however, that since pradhāna is the original substance, it is the actual basis of material creation.
FAQs
It describes an ultimate reality (padam) that is not any of the three states of consciousness and not composed of the material elements; it is the root source and is beyond speculative reasoning.
To indicate that it is free from material distinctions and mental constructions—appearing blank to ordinary perception—yet it is the original foundation of all existence.
Reduce over-identification with changing mental states and material categories; cultivate steady bhakti and contemplative hearing so the mind turns toward the transcendental source beyond speculation.