<1>Before any expression of awareness, the universe was in a state of "Be"-ness, "Am"-ness or pure intuition (Nirvikalpa). <2>This state of "Be"-ness was an omnipotent state, capable of creating and being created, like a sleeping human, which has the potential to become awakened and is able to do things in the awake state.

<3>The universe was in this state because the three gunas were in a passive or balanced (symmetric) state () and had not come to their operative positions. They were in a latent state, or unreleased.

<4>In the figure above, the circle in the middle represents the universe, and the dark shadow in the background represents the inability of the human mind to comprehend infinity.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The same was in the beginning with God.

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

(John 1:1-3)

<5>An intuitive desire to become aware was created in the collective consciousness: desire is the out-going power of the raja guna (energy); when the same power (prana) is directed inwardly, it becomes imagination and will. <6>Through this outward direction of the raja guna (desire), the balance of the forces became disturbed and the operative powers of the three gunas became active (Prakrti).

<7>Because of the operative influence of the satva guna (the most sentient force) and with the presence of the tama guna, an awareness of "I know" or "I know that I am" appeared and spread in the universe. <8>The first part of the Ego was evolved.

<9>Because of the operative influence of the second guna (raja guna or mutative force) with the presence of the tama guna, the feeling of "I do" or "I am the doer also" was created and spread in the universe. <10>This brought the second part of the Ego into play.

<11>By the release of the operative power of the tama guna (static, binding or crudifying force), the fine ethereal factor was evolved, and memory came into play. <12>So the third and last stage came into existence, and the third and last part of the Ego was completed. The sense of "I have done" (memory) was awakened and spread in the universe. <13>The feeling of "I" as a separate entity was concluded.

<14>The dot in the middle of the circle above symbolizes the first sign of awareness in the universe and the invocation of the three gunas into the operative stage as the three creative forces. <15>This first expression of awareness was a vibration, which is sound. This sound vibration is "The Word" (), the creative force in the universe. <16>It has been with God and all things are made by Him.

<17>With the release of the operative powers of the three gunas, many different parts of the universe felt separated from the rest. <18>Also, the first unit consciousnesses were evolved (a unit consciousness is the expression of the Divine through the manifested universe, as an entity separate from the rest of the universe). With this, a great chaos was created in the universe, and great forces were released. The entire universe came to be in a violent state.