The Lord replies with the description of the Prakrithi as “Prakrithi is the balance of Triguna – Sathwam, Rajas and Thamas. It is the base for all creations. But do not mistake it for Brahmam or Consciousness as Brahmam is beyond all Gunas. Prakrithi is imperishable too”.

Now Prakrithi is defined in terms of a set of numbers – five, five, four, ten – a total of twenty four. This set of numbers indicates the origin and nature of Thathwas of Prakrithi.

Let us see what they are. The first five are the Pancha MahaBhootha – Bhoomi(earth), Jalam(water), Agni(fire), Vayu(air), Akasham(space). Next five are the Thanmatras that subtly represent  the Panchabhoothas – Gandham(smell), Rasam(taste), Roopam(form), Sparsham(touch) and Shabdam(sound). Thanmatras are the subtle forms or attributes of  the Pancha Bhoothas. Then ten represents five Jnanendriyas (ears, skin, eyes, tongue and nostrills ) and five Karmendriyas (words, hands, legs, urethra and anus).

Then the four represent Manas, Budhi, Chitham and Ahamkaram (constituting Anthakaranam). In fact the one anthakaram is divided into four  – sankalpam, nishchayam, chintha and abhimanam.

Note – the detailed description of Prakrithi is given here. In deep meditation, we realize that none of these is our true Self.