Significance of Tanmatra
Tanmatra in various philosophical systems refers to the subtle elements that serve as the foundational aspects of sensory experiences and the material universe. These five subtle elements—sound, touch, sight, taste, and smell—are seen as the building blocks of physical reality. In traditions like Vaishnavism, Yoga, and Ayurveda, Tanmatra is integral to understanding creation and perception, impacting both spiritual practices and the nature of sensory interaction with the world. These elements evolve into gross forms, highlighting their significance in both metaphysical and practical contexts.
Synonyms: Element, Essence, Principle, Subtle matter, Fundamental component, Primary element
In Dutch: Tanmatra; In German: Tanmatra; In Finnish: Tanmatra; In Spanish: Tanmatra; In Swedish: Tanmatra; In Malay: Tanmatra; In French: Tanmatra; In Portugese: Tanmatra; In Italian: Tanmatra; In Polish: Tanmatra
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Tanmatra'
Tanmatra in Hinduism denotes the five subtle elements (akasha, vayu, tejas, apas, prithvi) that embody the sensory qualities of sound, touch, form, taste, and smell, serving as foundational principles in the manifestation of the physical universe.
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The text describes this as the second creation, also known as the subtle elementary particles or the creation of elements.[1] (2) The essential material principles that are to be worshipped outside the occult diagram in spiritual practices.[2]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The rudimental elements that reside in each element, described as not endowed with qualities, therefore neither soothing, nor terrific, nor stupifying.[3] (2) The rudimentary elements that constitute the second phase of Brahma's creations.[4]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Subtle elements that are the dependants of egoism, represented in the context of the body’s sensory experiences.[5]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Tanmatras are the five subtle elements, considered the primary building blocks of the physical universe, encompassing sound, touch, form, taste, and smell.[6]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) The five subtle elements (sound, touch, sight, taste, smell) that serve as the basis for the creation of the five gross elements in the material universe.[7]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Subtle elements resulting from the creation process, characterized by their sensory properties.[8]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) The subtle elements that form the basis of physical reality, contributing to the manifestation of material forms within the universe.[9]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The subtle elements in Sankhya philosophy that are believed to arise from primordial matter or the Mahat principle.[10]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Elements representing the subtle aspects of perception and the material world that emerge from Brahman.[11]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The rudimentary properties that are fundamental aspects of creation, leading to further dissolution.[12]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) Refers to the five fine elements, which can also be considered part of the subtle body, according to some interpretations.[13]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The tanmatras are the five subtle elements (akasha, vayu, tejas, apas, and prithvi) that manifest as unspecialized modifications, each associated with specific sensory qualities.[14] (2) The subtle elements that are the causes of the gross elements, representing the most refined level of matter.[15]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) The subtle elements that serve as the essence of perception, leading to the gross elements of the physical universe.[16]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) Tanmatra is what the source of the world reveals itself as first in the Mayavada scheme, and it gradually assumes the form of senses and mind.[17] (2) The subtle elements derived from Akasha that form the basis of consciousness and perception.[18]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Most subtle, abstract sense objects, including form, taste, and smell.[19]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Referring to the subtle elements or qualities derived from sensory experiences.[20]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) Subtle elements that are enhanced through the practice of Pranayama, allowing better control over mind activities.[21] (2) The subtle elements that give rise to the five gross elements upon which the physical universe is built.[22]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) These are minute and subtle factors inferred from basic visible elements, which the Samkhya system describes, representing the smallest components of worldly substances.[23] (2) This term is used to describe the pure form of subtle elements, also referred to as Sukshma Bhuta, according to the text.[24]
The concept of Tanmatra in local and regional sources
Tanmatra refers to the subtle particles that form the basis of sensory experiences, influencing perception through their arrangement. They constitute the fundamental makeup of the universe's physical bodies, bridging the material and sensory realms.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) These are fine particles, evolved from consciousness, such as particles of sound and touch, which cannot be perceived until they become gross particles.[25] (2) These are what all the bodies in the universe are made up of, and the difference lies in the arrangement of the latter, which can be arranged in one way or another.[26] (3) These are the fine particles that make up all gross things, which are the fine molecules of the elements, and they are the basis for sensory experiences.[27] (4) These are fine particles of matter, which strike our organs of perception and bring about sensations, and come from egoism.[28]
The concept of Tanmatra in scientific sources
Tanmatra is a key concept in Ayurvedic philosophy, representing subtle elements that form the foundation of matter. It links to sensory perceptions and the five Mahabhutas, while emerging from the interplay of the three gunas.