Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s7.t10.18

v1.c7.s7.t10.18

*Transformation Theory (Dualism and 25 tattvas)* - The Samkhya upheld a “transformation” theory, claiming that all things, creatures or phenomena in the world are transformed from a certain kind of fundamental cause. The process of transformation concerns two “ultimate realities” and 25 basic concepts (aka Dualism and 25 tattvas), with “dualism” referring to “Prakriti” and “Purusha” and “25 tattvas” meaning Purusha (Transcendental Self), the uncreated (unmanifest) Prakriti (primordial nature), Mahat/Buddhi (intellect), Ahamkara (ego, consciousness of self), Manas (mind), the five sense-organs, the five motor-organs, the five subtle elements and the five gross elements. These Tattvas are involved throughout the process of transformation of objects.