According to this theory, when Prakruti was in the precreative stage with the trigunas in balance, cosmic consciousness was without form, however existing as the subtle vibration of the cosmic ‘soundless’ Aum. The cascade of changes due to interplay of the three gunas at the primeval stage of evolution, created five basic attributes which lie in the substance of the entire universe. These are the five basic elements or Panchabhootas and the change is referred to as Pancheekarana, i.e., formation of five from universal oneness. Thus from within the vibrations appeared Akash (space element). Dominant transformation or rajoguna caused movement of space, i.e., Vayu (air element). Further evolutionary change brought about by friction from ‘air’ and ‘space’ created Tejas (fire or heat element). Further cohesive bonding and binding changes created Ap (water element). These then underwent further transformation giving rise to subatomic particles, atoms and molecules constituting Prithvi (earth element) the perceptible reality or physicality of the universe. Thus all matter was born from the five elements. The expression of the manifest world is understood to evolve from the subtlest non-material state of consciousness or Mahat to the grossest material state of Prithvi (physically perceptible matter). Material and non-material existence is seen on a continuum. Samkhya assumes that the manifest or objective world (vyakta) emerges from the unmanifest or subjective world (avyakta) and that there is essential unity and continuum between the two.