Prakrti , also Prakriti (Sanskrit: प्रकृति, IAST: Prakṛti), means "nature". It is a key concept formulated by the Samkhya school of Hinduism, and refers to the primal matter with three different innate qualities (Guṇas) whose equilibrium is the basis of all observed empirical reality. Prakriti, in this school, contrasts with Purusha which is pure awareness and metaphysical consciousness.