Types of Tattva: Understanding the Building Blocks of Existence

In Indian philosophical traditions, Tattva refers to the fundamental realities or principles that constitute existence. The term comes from Sanskrit “Tat” (that) and “Tvam” (thou), implying “thatness” or “principle of reality.” Different schools enumerate tattvas differently, but their core purpose is to explain the universe’s composition and human experience within it.

Below is an exploration of major classifications of tattvas, including Samkhya, Shaivism, Vedanta, and the universally accepted Pancha Tattva (Five Elements).

🌿 Pancha Tattva: The Five Great Elements

Almost all Indian philosophies accept the concept of Pancha Mahabhuta or Pancha Tattva, the five elemental principles forming the gross world. They are:

  1. Akasha (Ether / Space) – Represents emptiness, sound, vibration, and expansion. It is the medium through which sound travels and denotes openness and connection.

  2. Vayu (Air / Wind) – Represents movement, force, and life energy (prana). It is associated with touch and flexibility.

  3. Agni (Fire) – Represents transformation, heat, light, and metabolism. It governs digestion, perception, and illumination.

  4. Jala (Water) – Represents cohesion, fluidity, and taste. It manifests as liquids, blood, and all bodily fluids, supporting life and purification.

  5. Prithvi (Earth) – Represents solidity, stability, and smell. It forms bones, flesh, minerals, and all that is dense and structured.

🔷 Symbolism and Application

  • Ayurveda: These elements form the Tridosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) combinations.
  • Yoga & Tantra: They are activated through chakra meditation and mudras to balance physical and spiritual health.
  • Spiritual Significance: They teach us to stay grounded (Prithvi), adaptable (Jala), transformative (Agni), light (Vayu), and expansive (Akasha).

🕉️ 1. Samkhya Philosophy: 25 Tattvas

The Samkhya system, founded by sage Kapila, is dualistic, explaining creation through Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter/nature). It enumerates 25 tattvas as follows:

a. The Two Ultimate Principles

  1. Purusha – Pure consciousness, the observer.
  2. Prakriti – Primordial nature, root cause of matter and mind.

b. Evolutes of Prakriti

  1. Mahat (Buddhi) – Cosmic intelligence or intellect.
  2. Ahamkara – Ego principle, the sense of individuality.

c. From Ahamkara Emerge

i. Mind

  1. Manas – Mind, which processes sense data and forms thoughts.

ii. Jnanendriyas (5 senses of knowledge)

  1. Shrotra – Ears (hearing)
  2. Tvak – Skin (touch)
  3. Chakshu – Eyes (sight)
  4. Jihva – Tongue (taste)
  5. Ghrana – Nose (smell)

iii. Karmendriyas (5 organs of action)

  1. Vak – Speech
  2. Pani – Hands (grasp)
  3. Pada – Feet (movement)
  4. Payu – Anus (excretion)
  5. Upastha – Genitals (procreation)

iv. Tanmatras (5 subtle elements)

  1. Shabda – Sound
  2. Sparsha – Touch
  3. Rupa – Form
  4. Rasa – Taste
  5. Gandha – Smell

v. Mahabhutas (5 gross elements)

  1. Akasha – Ether/space
  2. Vayu – Air
  3. Agni – Fire
  4. Jala – Water
  5. Prithvi – Earth

📝 Samkhya categorizes tattvas from the subtlest consciousness to gross physical matter, including Pancha Tattva as Mahabhutas.

🌌 2. Shaivism (Kashmir Shaivism): 36 Tattvas

Shaivism, particularly Kashmir Shaivism, presents 36 tattvas, expanding upon Samkhya by including spiritual realities above Purusha. They are grouped as:

a. Śuddha Tattvas (Pure Tattvas)

  1. Shiva
  2. Shakti
  3. Sadashiva
  4. Ishvara
  5. Shuddhavidya

b. Śuddha-ashuddha Tattvas (Pure-Impure Tattvas)

  1. Maya 7-11. Five Kanchukas (limitations) – Kala (time), Vidya (knowledge), Raga (attachment), Niyati (order), and Kala (limitation of power).
  2. Purusha

c. Ashuddha Tattvas (Impure Tattvas)

  1. Prakriti 14-36. Same as Samkhya’s Buddhi to Prithvi

📝 Here, pure tattvas represent divine aspects of Shiva consciousness, while impure tattvas relate to material existence including Pancha Tattva.

🕉 3. Vedanta View

In Vedanta, especially Advaita Vedanta, tattva defines Brahman’s nature rather than as detailed enumeration. The core tattvas are understood as:

  • Sat (Existence)
  • Chit (Consciousness)
  • Ananda (Bliss)

These three constitute Satchidananda, the essential reality.

🔷 4. Other Systems

a. Jainism

Lists tattvas differently, focusing on spiritual liberation:

  1. Jiva (soul)
  2. Ajiva (non-soul)
  3. Asrava (influx of karmas)
  4. Bandha (bondage)
  5. Samvara (stoppage)
  6. Nirjara (shedding)
  7. Moksha (liberation)

b. Yoga

Yoga philosophy aligns closely with Samkhya’s 25 tattvas, using them to understand mind, body, and liberation practices.

🌟 Conclusion: Why Tattvas Matter?

Understanding tattvas provides clarity on:

✅ The composition of self and universe ✅ The connection between spirit, mind, and matter ✅ Pathways to liberation by realising the highest tattva (consciousness)

From the five great elements (Pancha Tattva) forming our daily reality to the highest spiritual principles, tattvas teach us to balance our life, health, and spirituality with deeper awareness.

✨ Explore your own tattva. Know your reality. Live consciously.

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