The Dictionary 165 Brahma, though they were apparently often regarded as distinct personalities in the Brahmana literature. (See also Brahma; Creation; Dhatr.) PRAKRIT (PRAKRTA). Unrefined; natural. The term is used for vernacular speech in ancient times in India, and is contrasted with Sanskrit (Samskrta), the refined and perfected speech of well- educated people. Prakrit is an Indo-European language, essentially cognate with Sanskrit. Four dialects of Prakrit are usually recognized: Sauraseni, Maharastri, Apabhraméa, and Paisaci. Authors of classical Sanskrit dramas and literature utilized Prakrit dialects for the speech of women and characters of low social standing, while Sanskrit was used for Brahmins, kings, and gods. This both reflects historical reality (the upper classes studied and spoke Sanskrit) and allows authors to indicate the social status of individuals in their works. Prakrit dialects, at one time regional, vernacular languages of the Indian subcontinent paralleling Sanskrit, became stylized literary languages, while spoken vernaculars continued to evolve into Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, etc. (See also Sanskrit.) PRAKRTI. Nature; Matter. The term is used especially in the Samkhya philosophical tradition to refer to the material world as distinct from spirit or the self (Purusa). Prakrti evolves into some twenty-four elements or components, from which Puruga is separate but in which it becomes entangled, in the process losing awareness of its distinctness. Liberation for Purusa consists in developing the ability to discriminate clearly between the eternal spirit and the constant flux of material forms. Prakrti is grammatically feminine, while Purusa is grammatically masculine, which was productive of much thought about feminine and masculine principles in the human and divine realms, influencing numerous philosophical and religious traditions. Prakrti is at times equated with Maya as the means by which one is bound within Samsara. (See also Maya; Purusa; Samkhya.)