The Yoga of Knowledge and Wisdom

Krishna begins describing His material nature (prakriti). The eight elements: five material elements (earth, water, fire, air, space) and three mental elements (mind, intelligence, ego). 'Bhinnā prakṛtir aṣṭadhā'—divided material nature, eightfold. This is Krishna's lower nature—the material world that appears separate but is actually His manifestation. Everything in the material world—physical objects, thoughts, feelings, identity—comes from these eight elements. This verse sets up the distinction between material nature (this verse) and spiritual nature (next verses), showing that Krishna encompasses both.