Tattva
Tattva
(Skr.) “Thatness”, “whatness”, one of the principles ranging from abstract factors of conscious life to relations and laws governing natural facts. The Trika (q.v.). knows 36 tattvas which come into play when the universe “unfolds”, i.e., is created by Shiva in an act variously symbolized by the awakening of his mind, or a “shining forth” (see abhasea). — K.F.L.