Significance of Avyakta
Avyakta, a multifaceted term, describes the unmanifest or formless aspect of reality across various philosophies. In Purana, it represents the potentiality and primordial nature from which the universe arises. Ayurveda uses it to describe the subtle, unmanifested stage of a disease. Vedanta views it as the unmanifested cause from which the universe evolves, while Shaivism and Pancaratra use it to signify the transcendent aspect of Ishana and the undistinguished state, respectively. In Indian history, it refers to the state of Prakriti. Health Sciences utilize it to describe unclear premonitory symptoms.
Synonyms: Unmanifested, Unexpressed, Incomprehensible, Unrevealed
In Dutch: Avyakta; In German: Avyakta; In Finnish: Avyakta; In Spanish: Avyakta
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Avyakta'
In Hinduism, Avyakta represents the unmanifested, formless aspect of reality, often described as the source of all creation and potentiality. It encompasses a state beyond perception, where all things converge before manifestation, including the original matter (Prakriti) and subtle aspects of existence.
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) One of the Upanishads, mentioned in a list of 108 Upanishads.[1] (2) Avyakta, also known as pradhana, is the undifferentiated matter representing the twenty-fourth tattva, which is distinct from Purusha.[2] (3) It is split open after splitting open mahat, bhutadi, manas, akash, vayu, tejas, apas, prithivi, the skull of the head, and the sheaths.[3] (4) This is absorbed into Purusha in regular order, representing a stage in the process of involution, and is the cause of mahat.[4] (5) The unmanifested state, where all creation converges before returning to the source.[5]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) The word avyakta appears in the passage, but it is not presented as something that should be known or pondered upon within the text provided.[6] (2) The term avyakta is discussed in the context of whether it denotes the pradhana, but the text concludes that it does not, and the text argues that the passage refers to the intelligent, highest Self.[7] (3) This term, referring to the subtle body, is what is designated as the Undeveloped, as asserted in the preceding Sutra.[8]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The unmanifested aspect of reality that is beyond perception and defines a state of existence.[9]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) The unmanifested cause from which the limited self and the entire universe evolve.[10]
From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Higher than Mahat, with the Purusha being higher than this. There is nothing higher than Purusha.[11]
From: Kena upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) This refers to the unknown, or the world of imagination and fancy, as described in the provided text.[12]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) Avyakta signifies that Vata is unmanifest or imperceptible in its essence, yet its actions and effects on motor and sensory functions are observable.[13] (2) Avyakta is described as unmanifested and is known as Kshetrajna, the knower of the corpus, in Charaka Samhita, along with Purusha.[14] (3) Mahat/Buddhi Tattva is the first component which came into existence from Avyakta, according to the theory of evolution.[15] (4) Avyakta refers to the indistinct or unmanifested state from which the evolution of Mahabhutas occurs, and it is a key concept in understanding the origin of the elements.[16] (5) This refers to the unmanifested or subtle stage of a disease, which is discussed in the context of the Purvarupa of the disease.[17]
From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga
(1) In the first month, the embryo is in this state which means not conspicuous.[18] (2) Also known as unmanifest, it is the first principle in the process of Chetanasrshti ( animate creation).[19]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 3: Sharirasthana
(1) It is the unmanifest, and it is one of the eightfold categories of Prakriti.[20]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Unmanifested or unspeakable, refers to the nature of the divine beyond intellect.[21]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) Imperceptible substance in its unmanifested state, referring to the original condition of prakriti before forming any perceptible objects.[22]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) The undistinguished state outside the observable universe.[23] (2) Formless original matter, which constitutes another significant aspect of the Pancaratra's teachings.[24]
The concept of Avyakta in local and regional sources
Avyakta, in Sankhya philosophy, is a state of pure potentiality, also known as Prakriti. It is a state where the mind's activity is absent, and only the underlying causes of existence remain.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This is a certain state, also called Prakriti, where even the manifestation of mind is not present, but only the causes exist, which the Sankhya conceives.[25]
The concept of Avyakta in scientific sources
Avyakta signifies the unmanifested source of creation in Ayurvedic and Samkhya philosophies, forming the basis of Atmatattva. It represents the latent potential before manifestation and also refers to vague premonitory symptoms, potentially indicating hypertension.