Significance of Inert matter
Inert matter, according to Vaishnavism, signifies physical substances that fail to offer true fulfillment and must be relinquished for spiritual awakening. It also denotes a pre-creation state of indistinguishable beings and serves as a metaphor for the avadhuta's detached existence. Furthermore, it describes matter that lacks change or activity. In Purana, inert matter reflects a lifeless existence devoid of consciousness, highlighted by the absence of reminiscence, underlining the significance of spiritual over material pursuits.
Synonyms: Inactive substance
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Inert matter'
In Hinduism, inert matter symbolizes unfulfilling physical substances, lacking response and activity, representing the avadhuta's detachment, a lifeless existence absent of consciousness, and the primordial state before creation where beings were indistinct.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Matter that does not exhibit response or action, implying a lack of significant change or activity.[1] (2) A metaphor used to describe how the avadhuta appears, suggesting a state of detachment and absence of corporeal focus.[2]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The state of existence prior to creation, where beings were indistinguishable and almost non-existent.[3] (2) Physical substances that do not provide true fulfillment, which must be abandoned in the quest for spiritual awakening.[4]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The form of existence devoid of life and consciousness, as dictated by the absence of reminiscence.[5]