Prakṛti's selfless activity for puruṣa (illustrations)

SK 56

Thus this undertaking, wrought by prakṛti / pradhāna / mūlaprakṛti (nature), extending from mahat / buddhi (the great one) down to the specific [gross] elements, is [carried out] for the sake of the liberation of each puruṣa (self) — for another's sake, [though performed] as if for nature's own.

SK 57

Just as the [unconscious] flow of milk serves for the nourishment of the calf, so the activity of prakṛti / pradhāna / mūlaprakṛti (the primary nature) serves for the liberation of the puruṣa (self).

SK 58

Just as people engage in actions in order to relieve [their] restless longing, so the vyakta / avyakta (unmanifest) engages [in activity] for the sake of the liberation of the puruṣa (self).

SK 59

As a dancer, having shown herself to the audience, withdraws from the dance, so prakṛti / pradhāna / mūlaprakṛti (nature), having revealed herself to the puruṣa (self), withdraws.

SK 60

By manifold means [nature], being possessed of qualities, acts benevolently — without [any return of] benefit — for the sake of the self, who is quality-less and confers no benefit [on her]; [she acts] for his sake, though [it brings] no purpose [of her own].

SK 61

"There is nothing more delicate [modest] than prakṛti / pradhāna / mūlaprakṛti (nature)" — such is my conviction; for [thinking] "I have been seen," she never again comes within the sight of the puruṣa (self).