Tanmatra
Revision as of 11:19, 28 November 2022 by Agnivesha (talk | contribs) (→Concept of Tanmatra as per Sankhyaphilosophy)
The Sanskrit word ‘tanmatra’ literally means subtle elements. It reflects the knowledge of atoms in ancient classics. Ayurveda being the life science has focused on the genesis of life along with the fulfillment of long healthy life. This concept of genesis of life in Ayurveda find its roots in Sankhya philosophy and Vedant Philosophy. This concept of tanmatras is reflected as the influence of Sankhya and Vedant philosophy on Ayurved.
| Section/Chapter | Concepts/Tanmatra |
|---|---|
| Authors | NawkarMadhumati S.1 |
| Reviewer | Basisht G.2, |
| Editor | Deole Y.S.3 |
| Affiliations |
1DepartmentofSanskritSamhitaSiddhanta, R. T. AyurvedMahavidyalaya, Akola, Maharashtra, India 2 Rheumatologist, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A. 3Department ofKayachikitsa, G.J.Patel Institute of Ayurvedic Studies and Research, New Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat, India |
| Correspondence emails |
madhumati.nawkar@gmail.com, carakasamhita@gmail.com |
| Publisher | Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre, I.T.R.A., Jamnagar, India |
| Date of publication: | November 24, 2022 |
| DOI | In process |
Etymology
The word Tanmatra is made up of two words Tat+ Matra. Literary meaning ‘only that’. The term matra indicates the subtleness (Suksmatva)[1]
Definition
Tanmatras are trifled, rudimentary or subtle elements from which the grosser elements (mahabhoota) are produced.[2] The shabdadi (subject of senses/ quality of Mahabhootas) which are anudbhuta (In evolutionary stage) and can not be sensed by external sense organs are ‘tanmatras’. Only a person with highly developed senses like yogi can experience it.[3]
Types of tanmatras
There are five sense perceptions -hearing, touch, sight, taste and smell and there are five tanmatras corresponding to the five-sense perception [4]
These are five in number
- Shabdatanmatra or sukshma akasha mahabhuta
- Sparshatanmatra or sukshmavayumahabhuta
- Rupa tanmatra or sukshmateja/agnimahabhuta
- Rasa tanmatra or sukshmajala/aapmahabhuta
- Gandhatanmatra or sukshmaprithvimahabhuta
Synonyms
Concept of Tanmatra as per Sankhyaphilosophy
While describing the surge of Universe the Sankhya explains the role of tanmatra. Sankhya enlisted 25 principles behind creation of universe. These principles are classified into 4 categories according to their role in the surge.[8]
| Sr no. | Category | Name | Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mulaprakriti (origin/ creator) | prakriti | 01 |
| 2 | Prakriti-vikriti (creator & creation dual nature) | Mahat Ahankar Panchtanmatra |
07 |
| 3 | Vikar (creation) | Panchamahabhoota (Five fundamental elements) Panchajnanendrya (Five sense organs) Panchakarmendriya (five motor organs) Mind (mana) |
16 |
| 4 | Na prakriti navikar (neither creator nor creation) | Purusha | 01 |
According to Sankhyas at the initial stage the two original eternal principles are mulaprakruti or avyakta (principal origin) and purusha.
Prakriti is the original state with balanced state of triguna, everything is in a mass and one thing cannot be distinguished from one another. Prakriti with the help of purusha causes the creation. [9]References
- ↑ Gaudpadabhashya on ShriIshvarkrishnavirachitaSankhyakarika, Verse22 Chaukhamba Sanskrit SerieseOffice,Varanasi, 1953, P.20.
- ↑ Sir Monnier Williams, Sanskrit English Dictionary, Southern Publication, Madras, 1987, P. 434.
- ↑ Dalhan, NibandhSangraha commentary on SushrutSamhita,SharirSthana Chapter1,Verse 4,Chaukhamba Orientallia, Varanasi 1997,p. 339.
- ↑ Gaudpadabhashya on ShriIshvarkrishnavirachitaSankhyakarika,Verse22 Chaukhamba Sanskrit SerieseOffice,Varanasi, 1953. P.4,5.
- ↑ Chakrapani, Ayurved Dipika Vyakhya on CharakaSamhitaSharirSthan Chapter 1, verse 63, ChaukhambaSurbharati Publication, 1992, P.293.
- ↑ ShriIshvarkrishna ,Sankhyakarika, verse 38 Chaukhamba Sanskrit SerieseOffice,Varanasi, 1953. P.33.
- ↑ Dr.V.J. Thakar, AyurvediyaMaulik Siddhant, Gujrat Ayurved University, Jamnagar,1985 P.135.
- ↑ ShriIshvarkrishna ,Sankhyakarika verse 3 Chaukhamba Sanskrit SerieseOffice,Varanasi, 1953.P4.
- ↑ Dr.D.L. Chary, A Textbook of PadarthaVijnanaEvumAyurvedItihasa,Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratishthan,Delhi,2017, P.74.