Step 1: Understanding Sānkhya ontology.
Sānkhya distinguishes between two eternal realities — Puruṣa (consciousness) and Prakṛti (primordial matter).
Step 2: Composition of Prakṛti.
Prakṛti is said to be made up of three guṇas:
Sattva – purity, light, harmony
Rajas – activity, energy
Tamas – inertia, darkness
These guṇas exist in a state of equilibrium in unmanifested Prakṛti.