THE 36 TATTVAS
Categories of Existence

Shaktimaya (the Universal mindstuff) gives the experience of limitation in the following ways:

The 36 Tattvas: The Universal Elements of Existence.

The five-foldness (prapancha) of the universe, according to this tantrik view, is shown in the table above. The three members of the tantrik "trinity", Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva-Rudra, represent the gunas, or qualities of rajas, sattva and tamas, which may be represented by the principles of active, reconciling and negative. From this triangle come all forms, including the five elements, through different blendings.

Universal consciousness experiencing itself as an individual (jiva) forgets (by the power of avidya) It's unlimited nature (as Satchidananda) and considers Itself to be a limited individual (Purusha / jiva) with a certain nature (Prakriti) living in a certain universe (shakti) of names and forms (nama rupa).

The Jiva (purusha) is a reflection or shadow of the 36th tattva (Consciousness) with a mental apparatus which is itself also a reflection of Iccha, Jnana and Kriya Shaktis. For instance, the "I", the ahamkara, is the reflection of Iccha. This limited individual (jiva / purusha) has powers of action and powers of knowledge and focuses on the tanmatras, or impression objects, considering herself or himself to be different from the five verities.

In this form, she or he plays in the world until realizing the 36th tattva which is Shiva-Shakti itself.

The following is a list of the universal elements in the descending order of the tattvas.

  Suddha tattvas (five pure elements)

• SATCHIDANANDA / BRAHMAN / SIVA:
  Ultimate undivided reality. Consciousness (Cit / Siva / Brahman)

• SHAKTI / KARYA BRAHMAN:
  Ultimate energy power. Bliss.

The above two tattvas are the source of all manifestation. They are the Ultimate Reality. These two tattvas are Consciousness-Bliss, the pure reality of God. Though listed separately they are undivided and should be realized as one. Siva is ever endowed with his Shakti (power) and Shakti is always one with Siva, neither exists as a separate entity from the other.

• ICCHA - I am consciousness. Perfect identity. No distinction of I and this. Will is predominant.

• JNANA - This am I. Consciousness of universe. The I and This are identical. The creator Lord. Knowledge.

• KRIYA - I am I, and also This. Identity in difference. Universe and Lord are distinct yet one. Action is predominant here.

The above three tattvas are the creative Shakti (power) of unveiled consciousness. Through this will, knowledge, and action the manifestation of the universe is possible. They are the three pure manifestations of the primary Siva/Shakti. (see the last three of the five fundamental modes of Shakti).

  The Kancukas (coverings)

• MAYA - Universally formative, or limiting principle. The veil.

• KALA - Limitation in authorship or ability to produce an effect.

• VIDYA - Limitation in knowledge.

• RAGA - Limitation in satisfaction, giving rise to desire for various objects.

• KALA - Limitation of eternity, dividing time into past, present, future.

• NIYATI - Limitation of freedom. Giving rise to limitations of space and cause.

The above kancukas are the coverings of the universal aspects of consciousness. This is the veil with which Maya Shakti covers the pure reality thus modifying and limiting the individual experients sensation of time, space, will, desire, and knowledge. 

Two principles of the limited individual subject/object

• PURUSA - The limited experient, the individualized principle of spirit. The "I" in the statement "I am this".

• PRAKRITI - Root matrix of objectivity, the essence of matter. The "this" in the statement "I am this".

The above principles are the spirit and matter of the limited experience.

  Antahkaranas (inner organs)

• BUDDHI - Ascertaining intelligence.

• AHAMKARA -Ego, self making principle. 

• MANAS - Conceptual consciousness.

The above antahkaranas are the extremely subtle manifestations of Prakriti that make up the mind as the AJNA CHAKRA SYSTEM.

  The Jnanamendriyas (organs of cognition)

• SROTRA - Hearing.

• TVAK - Touching.

• CAKSU - Seeing.

• RASANA - Tasting.

• GHRANA - Smelling.

The above jnanamendriyas are the powers of perception. These are products of Ahamkara. They are subtle principles by which the ego (Ahamkara) explores the otherness with intent to fulfill desires.

  The Karmendriyas (organs of action)

• VAK - Speech.

• PANI - Handling.

• PADA - Movement, locomotion.

• PAYU - Excretion.

• UPASTHA - Generative, reproduction.

The above karmendriyas are the powers of action. They are also products of Ahamkara.

  The Tanmatras (subtle elements)

• SABDA - Sound as such.

• SPARSA - Touch as such.

• RUPA - Form as such.

• RASA - Taste as such.

• GANDHA - Smell as such.

The above tanmatras are the five subtle elements. The undifferentiated essence or origins of perceived objects. Again, these are products of Ahamkara.

  The Mahabhutas (gross elements)

• AKASA - Ether, space.

• VAYU - Air.

• TEJAS - Fire.

• APAS - Water.

• PRITHVI - Earth.