Prakṛti is a Sanskrit noun made from the root kṛ-, the prefix pra-, and the suffix -ktin showing the feminine gender. The root kṛ- means to “make,” “cause,” “create,” or “produce.” The prefix pra- has the sense of forward movement and indicates a creative force.

The word prakṛti has many meanings, and the word is used in a variety of contexts in Sanskrit texts as well as modern Indian languages. The adjective derived from prakṛti, prākṛta, means “origina…