SrI: SrImathE satakOpAya nama: SrImathE rAmAnujAya nama: SrImadh varavaramunayE nama:
sUthram 86
Having stated that miSra sathva is known by the names prakruthi, avidhyA, and mAyA, the commentator now explains the significance of each of these names.
sUthram
ப்ரக்ருதியென்கிறது விகாரங்களைப் பிறப்பிக்கையாலே; அவித்3யை என்கிறது ஜ்ஞாநவிரோதி4யாகையாலே; மாயை என்கிறது விசித்ர ஸ்ருஷ்டியைப் பண்ணுகையாலே.
prakruthi engiRadhu vikArangaLaip piRappikkaiyAlE, avidhyai engiRadhu gyAnavirOdhiyAgaiyAlE, mAyai engiRadhu vichithra srushtiyaip paNNugaiyAlE.
Meaning
It is called prakruthi because it gives rise to various vikAras.
It is called avidhyA because it is opposed to gyAna.
It is called mAyA because it brings about the wondrous diversity of creation.
Explanation
The name prakruthi
The commentator first explains why miSra sathva is called prakruthi.
It receives this name because it gives rise to all the vikAras, beginning with mahath, from within itself.
In the sAmkhya-kArikA, the term prakruthi denotes the original material cause (upAdhAna-kAraNa).
मूलप्रकृतिरविकृतिः
mUlaprakruthir avikruthi:
“The primordial prakruthi is unmodified.”
The commentator then points out that the sUthrakArar, while establishing brahman as the upAdhAna-kAraNa of the universe, also uses the word prakruthi.
प्रकृतिश्च प्रतिज्ञादृष्टान्तानुपरोधात् ॥ [brahma sUthram]
prakruthiS cha prathigyA dhrushtAnthAnuparOdhAth ॥
“And it is (rightly called) prakruthi because this does not contradict the thesis and the illustrative examples.”
Thus, miSra sathva is called prakruthi because it is the material cause from which all vikAras, beginning with mahath, arise.
The name avidhyA
The commentator next explains the name avidhyA.
The word avidhyA may denote the absence of knowledge, something other than knowledge, or that which is opposed to knowledge. Its precise meaning is determined by the context.
Here, it signifies that which is opposed to gyAna.
Earlier, while explaining that miSra sathva acts as a thirOdhAyaka to the gyAna and Anandha of badhdha-chEthanas, the commentator had already established this characteristic.
Accordingly, it is called avidhyA.
The name mAyA
The commentator finally explains the name mAyA.
Just as the scriptures use the word mAyA to describe the astonishing feats performed by asuras and rAkshasas, miSra sathva is also called mAyA because it brings about a wonderfully varied srushti.
It gives rise to countless effects, each displaying remarkable diversity and inspiring wonder.
Therefore, it is known as mAyA.
adiyen vAsudhEva rAmAnuja dhAsan
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