Which came first? Consciousness or Shakti
From the inner experience of a human being, Consciousness comes first.
Before any thought arises, before any emotion moves, before the body acts, there is already the sense of “I am aware.” That basic awareness exists even when the mind is quiet. Only afterward does Shakti express itself as thought, feeling, breath, movement, and action.
You can observe this directly:
First there is awareness (“I know I exist”).
Then there is energy in movement (a thought, a desire, an action).
From this standpoint, Shakti appears to arise within Consciousness.
However, from the biological and functional level, it seems the opposite:
Life energy (prana, nervous system, brain activity) operates even before we consciously notice it.
The body and mind function automatically, driven by Shakti.
So the deeper truth taught by sages is this:
Consciousness is primary in essence,
Shakti is primary in expression.
In lived experience, Consciousness is the ground;
In daily functioning, Shakti is the instrument.
Ultimately, they arise together, like the flame and its light — but when traced inward through meditation, one discovers that awareness is the source and energy is its movement.