Trika - 03 - Aham and Idam

To account for manifestation, Trika postulates the immanent or active aspect of pure consciousness. Manifestation necessitates a subject and an object, and in the universal condition since there is nothing else, both factors must be consciousness. Consciousness therefore becomes visible to itself as Subject (ahaM) and Object (idam). The removal of one destroys the other.

During the passive state they are in equilibrium. During the process of cosmic evolution, the first factors is the dual appearance of aham and idam.

The Shiva Tattva is postulated to account for the Subject (Aham) of the dual relationship of universal manifestation. The emphasis is on ahaM without any awareness of the existence of idam. It is pure consciousness.

The Shakti Tattva is postulated to account for the Object (Idam) of the dual relationship of universal manifestation. It accounts for the universal cause of all motion and change observed throughout the manifest world.

Both Shiva and Shakti Tattvas are eternal, and exists in a state of equilibrium in a sea of consciousness during the passive state. Shakti has three modes:
a. iccha - the power of Will
b. GYAna - the power of knowledge
c. kriya - the power of Action