The essence of the seen exists only for the purpose of the seer.

This sutra establishes a fundamental truth of Sāṅkhya-Yoga: prakṛti (the seen) exists for puruṣa (the seer).

Tadartha means “for its purpose.” The entire manifested world—the elements, senses, mind—exists as a stage for the experience and liberation of puruṣa.

Prakṛti has no independent existence or purpose of its own. It is like a theater that exists only for the spectator.

When puruṣa attains liberation, prakṛti fulfills its function for that particular puruṣa. It does not disappear, but ceases to be relevant.

This vision is not cosmic egocentrism, but a description of the relationship between consciousness and manifestation.