There have been various discussions in both ancient and modern global literature regarding universal prosperity (Viśvamṛddhi). Thinkers from different traditions have expressed their perspectives, each based on a specific worldview and established truths. In this article, I will briefly discuss certain aspects of the cosmic principle (Sṛṣṭi Tattva) from the Śākta tradition within the Indian philosophical framework.
The universal existence and the individual body are fundamentally the same essence. Tantric scholars assert that what yogis refer to as the manifestation of the Bindu (the primordial dot) is merely a variation in terminology. In other words, the emergence of the Śrīcakra, the creation of the universe, and the manifestation of the soul through the body are essentially the same phenomenon.
Śakti: The Undivided Existence
According to Śākta philosophy, the unchanging essence (Akhaṇḍa Sattā) at the root of the universe is both the material cause (Upādāna) and the instrumental cause (Nimitta) of the cosmos. It neither increases nor decreases; it is eternal, beginningless, self-luminous, and of the nature of consciousness and bliss (Cidānanda Svarūpa). This state is known as the non-dual union of Śiva and Śakti (Śiva-Śakti Advaitāvasthā).
In His Śiva aspect, this essence remains detached, inactive, and an absolute witness, while in its Śakti aspect, it becomes the manifesting principle of the universe. Although Śiva and Śakti are inherently united, Śiva is neutral and unchanging, whereas Śakti is in constant expansion and contraction.
Śiva and Śakti: The Interplay of Cosmic Forces
The ancient yogis attempted to explain the supreme principle through the perceptible realities of the universe. They argued that what we call Śiva in ordinary discourse is actually an aspect of Śakti, because even Śiva cannot be conceived of without Śakti. Without Śakti, Śiva cannot be described in any way. This is emphasized in Tantric texts:
“Śaktyā vinā para Śive nāma dhāma na vidyate”
(Without Śakti, even the Supreme Śiva has neither name nor abode.)
At the root of the universe, there exists a play of two opposing aspects of Śakti. In one state, they remain harmonized and non-dual, while in another, they engage in dynamic interaction. These two aspects are known as Agni (Fire) and Soma (Moon or Nectar).
- Agni (Fire) is associated with dissolution, destruction, and time (Kāla).
- Soma (Nectar) is associated with bliss, immortality, and expansion.
- Agni disintegrates the undivided entity into distinct forms, whereas Soma unifies the fragmented into a singular whole.
- Agni is the principle of destruction, while Soma is the principle of nourishment and joy.
When Agni and Soma remain in equilibrium, no creation or destruction occurs, leading to the eternal state (Nitya Avasthā), symbolized as Ravi (the Sun) or Surya. From this perspective, the science of the Sun (Sūrya Vijñāna) is rooted in the idea that the eternal force of creation and destruction is present within the Sun.
- When Soma dominates, creation occurs.
- When Agni dominates, destruction follows.
The Supreme State (Advaita) is the perfect balance of Agni and Soma, which is symbolized in Tantric texts as Kāma (desire) and Ravi (the sun).
Bindu: The Origin of Creation
The origin of all existence is the Bindu (the cosmic point), which divides into three primary states:
- Amba (Mother) – The illuminating aspect (Jñāna Śakti, the Power of Knowledge)
- Śāntā (Tranquil) – The reflective aspect (Icchā Śakti, the Power of Will)
- Raudrī (Fierce) – The dynamic aspect (Kriyā Śakti, the Power of Action)
These three aspects together form the Mūla Trikoṇa (the primordial triangle), which is the root of the Śrīcakra.
The Śrīcakra is the cosmic blueprint, reflecting the entire structure of existence from its subtlest spiritual form to its grossest physical manifestation. This triangular formation later gives rise to multiple layers of manifestation, represented in the Sacred Geometry of the Śrīcakra.
The Evolution of the Śrīcakra
The Śrīcakra consists of multiple concentric layers, each symbolizing different aspects of cosmic manifestation:
- Mahābindu – The Supreme Bliss (Sarvānandamaya Cakra)
- Triangular Formation (Trikoṇa) – The Source of All Accomplishments (Sarvasiddhiprada Cakra)
- Eight-Petaled Structure (Aṣṭakoṇa) – The Protector of All (Sarvarakṣākara Cakra)
- Inner and Outer Decagonal Formations (Daśakoṇa) – The Bestower of All Wealth and The Remover of All Diseases (Sarvārthasādhaka and Sarvarogahara Cakras)
- Fourteen-Petaled Layer (Caturdaśāra) – The Bestower of All Auspiciousness (Sarvasaubhāgyasādhaka Cakra)
- Eight-Petaled Lotus (Aṣṭadala Kamala) – The Condenser of All Desires (Sarvasaṅkṣepaka Cakra)
- Sixteen-Petaled Lotus (Ṣoḍaśadala Kamala) – The Fulfiller of All Wishes (Sarvāśāparipūraka Cakra)
- Three Concentric Circles (Trivṛtta) – The Deluder of the Three Worlds (Trailokyamohana Cakra)
The outermost layer, known as Bhūpura, represents the boundary of existence, beyond which the manifested universe dissolves into non-duality.
Śrīcakra as the Supreme Reality
The Śrīcakra is a reflection of the Supreme Power (Mahāśakti) and the entire cosmic order. The human body and the vast universe are merely transformations of this fundamental reality.
According to the Bhāvanopaniṣad, during internal worship (Āntara Yāga) or deep meditation (Ātma-Dhyāna), the practitioner should envision their own body as the Śrīcakra. This unique perspective allows the sādhaka to experience the non-duality between the body, the universe, and the Supreme Reality.
Time and Space in the Śrīcakra
The manifestation of external reality is dependent on space (Deśa) and time (Kāla). The phases of the moon represent the fifteen divine energies (Nityā Devis), who regulate the cosmic flow of time. In the Tāntric system, these energies are associated with specific lunar phases and must be meditated upon as inseparable from the Supreme Goddess Lalitā-Tripurasundarī.
The Śrīcakra is eternally present within the cosmic cycle of time and space, and its presence is never separate from reality. In this sense, the Śrīcakra is not an external entity, but an inner reality embedded in the fundamental structure of existence.
Conclusion
The Śrīcakra represents the ultimate unity of Śiva and Śakti, creation and dissolution, motion and stillness. It is both the foundation and the ultimate goal of all existence. The interplay of Agni and Soma, Śakti and Śiva, light and reflection continuously governs the cycle of creation, preservation, and dissolution. Those who comprehend this mystery through deep spiritual practice gain insight into the essence of the cosmos itself.