Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 29
Sāṅkhya Enumeration of Tattvas, Distinction of Puruṣa–Prakṛti, and the Mechanics of Birth and Death
श्रीभगवानुवाच प्रकृति: पुरुषश्चेति विकल्प: पुरुषर्षभ । एष वैकारिक: सर्गो गुणव्यतिकरात्मक: ॥ २९ ॥
śrī-bhagavān uvāca prakṛtiḥ puruṣaś ceti vikalpaḥ puruṣarṣabha eṣa vaikārikaḥ sargo guṇa-vyatikarātmakaḥ
Die Höchste Persönlichkeit Gottes sprach: O Bester unter den Menschen, die Unterscheidung zwischen prakṛti und puruṣa ist eindeutig. Diese manifestierte Schöpfung wandelt sich fortwährend, da sie auf der Aufwühlung und Vermischung der Naturguṇas beruht.
The word puruṣa indicates the living entity and also the Supreme Lord, who is the supreme living entity. Material nature, subject to transformation, is full of duality, whereas the Lord is one and absolute. Material nature is dependent on its creator, maintainer and annihilator; the Lord, however, is completely self-reliant and independent. In the same way, material nature is unconscious and dull, lacking self-awareness, whereas the Supreme Lord is self-sufficient omniscience. The individual living entity shares the eternality, bliss and knowledge of the Personality of Godhead and is also completely distinct from material nature.
FAQs
In 11.22.29, Lord Kṛṣṇa explains that speaking of ‘prakṛti’ and ‘puruṣa’ is a conceptual distinction, while the manifested world is produced through transformations and intermixture of the three guṇas.
Kṛṣṇa instructs Uddhava in discriminating knowledge so he can see how creation functions through the guṇas and thus become detached from misidentifying the self with material transformations.
Recognize that moods, habits, and circumstances shift due to the guṇas; instead of identifying with them, cultivate steady devotion and clarity, observing changes without losing spiritual focus.