In the vast and intricate landscape of Vedic cosmology, there exists a subtle yet profound concept known as the tanmatras. These rudimentary, undifferentiated elements are the foundational threads that weave the fabric of our universe, connecting the manifest world to its unmanifest source. To understand the tanmatras is to glimpse the underlying unity of all existence, a unity that ancient seers and philosophers have elaborated upon in various texts and philosophical works.
At the heart of this concept lies the Samkhya school of philosophy, propounded by Rishi Kapila. Here, the tanmatras are identified as the five principle ideas or subtle elements that give rise to the five substantial elements of the physical world: ether (akasha), air (vayu), fire (agni), water (ap), and earth (prithvi). These elements, known as the bhutas, are the building blocks of everything we perceive in space and time, including our own living bodies.
The process of creation, as described by the tanmatras, is a gradual evolution from the subtle to the gross. It begins with the tanmatras, each associated with a specific sense perception: sabda (sound) for ether, sparsha (touch) for air, roopa (sight) for fire, rasa (taste) for water, and gandha (smell) for earth. These tanmatras combine and recombine in various ways to produce the gross elements that make up our universe. For instance, the sabda tanmatra evolves into akasha, the first gross element, which then gives rise to the sparsha tanmatra, leading to the formation of vayu, and so on[1][3][4].
This evolutionary process is not a random or chaotic event but is governed by the doctrine of satkaryavada, which states that the effect is existent in the cause even before the causal process begins. This means that the total energy and matter in the universe remain constant, merely redistributing themselves from cause to effect. The three gunas (sattva, rajas, and tamas) play a crucial role in this process, as their collocations and regroupings induce more differentiated forms and changes, leading to the evolution of the universe[1][4].
The tanmatras are more than just abstract concepts; they have tangible effects on our senses. They possess physical characteristics such as penetrability, power of impact, radiant heat, and viscous attraction. These characteristics become apparent when the tanmatras assume the form of paramanus or atoms of the bhutas, a process known as tattvantra-parinama or primary evolution. This intricate dance of subtle and gross elements underscores the interconnectedness of all things, revealing that the universe is a unified whole where each part is intimately connected to the others[1][4].
In Vedic cosmology, the universe is not a static entity but a dynamic, cyclically created and destroyed cosmos. The timeline of creation and destruction is vast, with each cycle of creation lasting for billions of years. This cycle is divided into four yugas: Satya, Treta, Dwapara, and Kali, each with its own duration. At the end of each cycle, the universe undergoes a pralaya, or dissolution, only to be reborn again. This cyclical nature of creation reflects the eternal and unchanging essence of the universe, which is maintained by the supreme consciousness or Brahman[2].
The concept of Brahman is central to understanding the tanmatras and the universe they create. Brahman is not just a passive observer but an active participant in the creation process. It is described as the Sabda Brahman, the ultimate reality that emanates as sound to create the cosmos. Each particle of the universe contains the whole, much like a spider spins a web from its own substance and annihilates it by withdrawing it into itself. This creative energy of Brahman is an amalgam of light (consciousness) and sound (energy), which are dual yet non-dual, illustrating the complex and multifaceted nature of the universe[3].
The tanmatras also play a significant role in the individual’s journey towards self-realization. According to the Samkhya philosophy, the evolution of the tanmatras is closely tied to the evolution of the mind-body complex. The yogins, who can perceive the tanmatras in their unspecialized forms, understand that these subtle elements are the immediate causes of the gross elements. This understanding helps in the renunciation of the perceived and imperceptible phenomena, leading to moksha or liberation. The pure cit (intellect) is neither illusory nor an abstraction but a concrete and transcendent reality that guides the individual towards liberation[1].
In exploring the tanmatras, we gain a fresh perspective on the unity underlying the diversity of creation. This concept reminds us that everything in the universe is interconnected and that each element, whether subtle or gross, is part of a larger cosmic weave. It deepens our appreciation for Vedic cosmology and offers practical wisdom for recognizing our connection to the whole.
For instance, the idea that the universe is composed of sound at different hierarchies of vibrational potency resonates with modern theories in physics. The concept of the “music of the spheres,” first proposed by ancient Greek philosopher Pythagoras, finds a parallel in the Vedic notion of the Anahad Naad, or the unstruck sound, which maintains the order of the universe. This convergence of ancient and modern thought underscores the timeless relevance of the tanmatras in understanding the cosmos[3].
The tanmatras also highlight the dualistic yet non-dual nature of the universe. In Tantra, this duality is vividly depicted as the Cosmic Masculine (Shiva) and Cosmic Feminine in the androgynous form of Ardhanareeshwara. This duality reflects the dynamic interplay between consciousness and energy, which is fundamental to the creation and maintenance of the universe. The tanmatras, as the subtle elements, embody this duality, illustrating how the universe is both static and kinetic, unchanging and evolving simultaneously[3].
As we delve deeper into the world of tanmatras, we find that they are not just theoretical constructs but living, breathing aspects of our reality. They remind us that our existence is not isolated but is part of a grand cosmic narrative. This realization can transform our perspective on life, encouraging us to see ourselves and the world around us as interconnected threads in the vast tapestry of existence.
In conclusion, the tanmatras offer a profound and nuanced understanding of the universe and our place within it. They reveal a cosmos that is cyclic, dynamic, and deeply interconnected, where each element is a manifestation of the supreme consciousness. As we explore this intricate world, we are invited to see the universe not just as a collection of separate entities but as a unified whole, woven together by the subtle threads of the tanmatras. This vision not only enriches our understanding of Vedic cosmology but also provides a practical and spiritual framework for living in harmony with the cosmos.
