EVOLUTION OF THE TATTVAS FROM SUDDHA-MAYA

[Ms Tercy Lonan]

EVOLUTION OF THE TATTVAS FROM SUDDHA-MAYA
The world undergoes evolution for the benefit of the souls. The whole process of creation is
for the sake of the salvation of the souls. The world is real and eternal. The world of matter and souls
forms the body of the Lord.
The Saiva Siddhanta analyses the universe into thirty-six Tattvas or principles, as against
the twenty-five of the Sankhya. The thirty-six Tattvas arise from Maya, the material cause of the
world. Suddha-Maya is Maya in its primal state. From it arise the five pure principles called Siva
Tattva, Sakti Tattva, Sadasiva Tattva, Isvara Tattva and Suddhavidya Tattva. Siva functions
through these five pure principles.
Maya evolves into the subtle principles and then into the gross. Siva Tattva is the basis of all
consciousness and action. It is undifferentiated (Nishkala Suddha Maya). The Sakti of Siva starts
her activity. Then Siva becomes the experiencer. Then He is called Sadasiva, known also by the
name Sadakhya, who is not really separate from Siva. The Suddha Maya becomes active. Then
Siva, the experiencer, becomes the ruler. He is then Isvara, who is not really separate from
Sadasiva. Suddhavidya is the cause of true knowledge.