What Are Tanmatras?
Tanmatras are the subtle, undifferentiated elements considered the building blocks of the physical world in Hindu philosophy. The Samkhya philosophy views tanmatras as the essential, primordial causes of the physical elements, representing the subtle root energy from which sensory perception arises. By combining and recombining, the tanmatras give rise to the gross elements that make up the material world perceived by the senses, forming the basis for the creation and manifestation of the universe. These elements are beyond physical perception, representing the pure, essential states of the five senses: hearing, touch, sight, taste, and smell.
The concept is rooted in the Samkhya school of Hindu philosophy, which posits that the universe evolves through the dynamic interplay of Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter). The concept of Purusha in Indian philosophy refers to the cosmic self, cosmic consciousness, or universal Mind. It is considered the eternal, authentic spirit and is opposed to Prakriti, the basic matter constituting the phenomenal universe. In the Upanishads, the concept of Purusha refers to the abstract essence of the Self, Spirit, and the universal principle that is eternal, indestructible, without form, and all-pervasive. In Vedanta literature, especially in the Upanishads, the term Purusha denotes the true self and the universal being or God. Therefore, the concept of Purusha in Indian philosophy is related to the source, creator, God, or Universal Consciousness.
· From one pure Prakriti evolves the Cosmic Buddhi or Mahat (Cosmic Intelligence or Universal consciousness) by the disturbance in the equilibrium of the three gunas - Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas.
· From Ahankara (Ego or Individual consciousness) emanate the ten senses and the mind on the subjective side, and the five subtle Tanmatras on the objective side.
· Pancha Karmendriyas (5 Indriyas of Action: Include powers located in Hands, Feet, Speech, Excretory Organs, Organs of Generation)
· Pancha Jnanendriyas (5 Indriyas of Cognition: Include powers located in the Eye, Ear, Nose, Tongue, and Skin)
· One Manas (Individual Mind)
· Pancha Tanmatras (5 Subtle Elements: Include Smell, Taste, Form, Touch and Sound)
· From the five Taṇmatras evolve the five Mahabhutas (5 Gross Elements: Include Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Ether)
(Source - Dharmawiki)
These Tanmatras are the basic building blocks of the physical world and are the foundation for the development of the five gross elements (Mahabhutas) - Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space. In this way, the disturbance in the equilibrium of the three gunas is responsible for the emergence of both the subjective and objective aspects of the individual's consciousness, as well as the material world.
The Role of Tanmatras in Cosmic Creation
According to Samkhya philosophy, the universe's creation unfolds in a meticulously structured process, beginning with the subtlest forms of matter, Tanmatras, and moving toward the gross physical elements (ether, air, fire, water, and earth) that make up the material world. Tanmatras serve as the primordial causes of these elements, embodying the potentiality from which sensory experience and physical form emerge. This process underscores a profound understanding of the universe as an interconnected web of subtle energies, manifesting into the diversity of forms and experiences observed in the material realm.
They are considered the subtle root energy of the elements, from which sensory perception arises. Tanmatras play a crucial role in the creation of matter by forming the basis for the gross elements that make up the material world perceived by the senses. These subtle elements are the rudimentary, undifferentiated energies that form the basis for the gross elements of the physical world.
The Samkhya philosophy, deeply rooted in ancient Indian thought and attributed to the sage Kapila, provides a dualistic view of the universe's creation and understanding of reality, distinguishing clearly between the eternal consciousness (Purusha) and the material world (Prakriti). Within this framework, the concept of Maya, often translated as illusion or magic, plays a crucial role in understanding the nature of our experiences and the universe.
Here are five lessons from Samkhya philosophy:
1. Distinction Between Purusha and Prakriti: Samkhya philosophy posits that reality comprises two independent principles: Purusha (Source, Creator, God, or Universal Consciousness) and Prakriti (matter, including mind and emotions). This dualistic view highlights that the material world we perceive is distinct from our true self, the witness consciousness, which is absolute, free, and beyond perception.
2. The Role of Prakriti as Maya: Prakriti, or Nature, is essentially Maya in Samkhya philosophy. It is the material cause of the universe, ever-changing and dynamic, consisting of three gunas (qualities) that are in constant interaction. This interaction gives rise to the manifest world, including the mind, senses, and the physical universe, thus creating the illusion of a separate existence from Purusha (Source, Creator, God, or Universal Consciousness).
3. Maya's Binding Effect: Through the gunas (sattva, rajas, and tamas), Maya binds the Self (Purusha) with bodies and experiences, leading to the cycle of births and deaths. This bondage is due to the misidentification of the Self with the body and mind, under the influence of Maya.
4. Liberation Through Knowledge: Samkhya teaches that liberation (moksha) from the cycle of rebirth and suffering comes from the discriminative knowledge of Purusha’s distinction from Prakriti. By understanding that the material world (Maya) is not the ultimate reality, one can achieve liberation, realizing the eternal, changeless nature of the Self.
5. Practical Implications of Maya: Understanding Maya's nature helps in dealing with life's challenges more effectively. By recognizing that experiences, emotions, and the physical world are transient manifestations of Prakriti, one can cultivate detachment and focus on realizing the true Self. This leads to inner peace and freedom from suffering.
Samkhya’s insights into Maya offer a path to understanding the intricate play between consciousness and matter, guiding individuals toward liberation by discerning the real from the unreal. This philosophy invites a profound contemplation of our existence and encourages a journey inward to discover our true self.
This school of thought significantly influenced not only Hinduism but also Buddhism and Jainism, reinforcing the concept that the material world emerges from a more subtle and fundamental reality. The principles of Samkhya are closely related to those found in Yoga and have also been integrated into the philosophical discussions in texts like the Bhagavad Gita, which presents its own interpretation of creation, aligning Brahman(GOD) as the ultimate cause.
In summary, tanmatras are crucial for understanding the metaphysical underpinnings of the universe in Hindu philosophy. They represent a bridge between the unmanifested potentialities of nature and the manifested physical world, offering insights into the subtle mechanics of creation as perceived through the lens of ancient Indian thought.
Tanmatras and "The Matrix"
The connection between Tanmatras and "The Matrix" lies in the exploration of reality's nature and the question of what lies beyond the sensory world. "The Matrix" presents a simulated reality, controlled and manipulated, drawing a parallel with the concept of Maya in Hindu philosophy, which describes the physical world as an illusion, a play of cosmic energy. The film's narrative, where characters awaken to the truth of their existence beyond the simulation, echoes the spiritual journey toward understanding the deeper, subtler layers of reality.
The characters in The Matrix, like Neo, Morpheus, and Trinity, can be seen symbolically representing seekers, gurus, and divine aspects, echoing themes found in Hindu philosophy.
In "The Matrix," the protagonists' journey can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual quest to transcend Maya and perceive the underlying truth of the universe, reminiscent of the philosophical inquiry into Tanmatras. The inclusion of elements from Hindu scriptures, such as the Upanishads, the soundtrack of The Matrix Revolutions includes the song "Navras," which features quotes from the Upanishads.
Pavamana Mantra
The Pavamana Mantra, derived from the Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upaniṣad, is a significant spiritual text. This mantra consists of three principal requests directed towards the universal being to guide the chanter from falsehood to truth, from darkness to light, and from death to immortality.
These requests embody a seeker's yearning for spiritual progress, moving from ignorance to enlightenment, and ultimately achieving a state of eternal existence beyond the physical limitations of life.
ॐ असतो मा सद्गमय। तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय। मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय। ॐ शांतिः शांतिः शांतिः ॥
From darkness lead me to light, From death lead me to immortality. oṃ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ, om peace peace peace'.
These ancient Vedic scriptures form the basis of Hindu philosophy. This connection to Hindu scriptures and the use of Sanskrit in the movie's soundtrack further tie The Matrix to Hindu philosophical concepts. For those seeking deeper understanding and the spiritual significance of the Pavamana Mantra, it serves as a call to move beyond the physical and ephemeral world towards the eternal truth, aligning with the core teachings of Vedanta that emphasize the realization of one's true self as part of the universal existence.++
The relationship between Tanmatras and the gross elements is similar to the relationship between thoughts and desires on the one hand, and the external reality on the other.
When the individual experiences a thought or desire, it creates an internal mental representation of an object or situation. This mental representation is then projected outward as an external reality, which manifests as the physical world. In this way, the ego or individual consciousness (Ahankara) creates the Tanmatras, which in turn create the gross elements and the physical world.
The thoughts and desires of the individual then influence the external reality, creating a continuous cycle of mental and physical manifestations. This cycle is the basis of the material world and the experience of existence for the individual. In summary, Tanmatras are the subtle elements that form the basis of the physical world, while the ego or individual consciousness creates the thoughts and desires that influence the external reality. This interplay between Tanmatras, the ego, and the external reality is central to the understanding of the material world and the spiritual path towards Moksha or liberation in Indian philosophy.
Moksha, or liberation, is a central theme in Indian philosophy, particularly in the Vedanta tradition and Shankhya philosophy. In the context of Madhvacharya's views, Moksha involves the soul realizing its true nature. In the Sâmkhya tradition, Moksha is also a vital concept, with the soul identified as eternal, pure, and free, and the attainment of liberation through true knowledge, understanding about self and reality, and self-realization. The concept of Moksha is shared by various religious traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, and it represents spiritual freedom and the realization of the human soul's unity with the divine self.
Conclusion
The exploration of Tanmatras provides a profound framework for understanding the universe's subtler dimensions, suggesting that the reality experienced through the senses is but a manifestation of more fundamental energies. The parallels drawn between these ancient concepts and the narrative of "The Matrix" illuminate the enduring human quest to comprehend the nature of reality, transcending the limitations of the physical world. Through the lens of both philosophy and movie, we are invited to consider the possibility of a deeper truth, encouraging a reflective journey toward self-discovery and spiritual awakening.
