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Concept of Panchmahabhuta
Pancha Mahabhuta - Five Great Elements
The 5 great elements originate from pancha tanmatra. Tanmatra is a Sanskrit word meaning subtle essence. These tanmatras incarnate to form the 5 great elements. Each great element is a combination of all 5 tanmatras but shows predominance of one tanmatra. The 5 tanmatras are Sound (Shabda), Touch (Sparsha), Vision (Roopa), taste (Rasa), Smell (Gnadha). These tanmatras are related to each sense organ.
In Ayurveda, it is said that components & functioning of the nature is similar to
our body components and its functions. Pancha Mahabhuta theory states that everything in the physical creation is composed of these 5 elements. The very first element that comes to existence is akash (Ether). It is most expansive and least concreate of all. The next element derived is Vayu (Air) then comes Agni (Fire), then Jala (water) element is formed and lastly Prithvi (earth) element is formed. Evolution of panchamahabhuta:-
” इह हि द्रव्यं पञ्च महा
भूतात्मकम्।”. Human Body Associated Characteristic Bhuta (Element) Characteristics Sense Organs Component Finger principle
Expansion, Akasha (Aether) Astral body Middle Finger Sound Ears enhancement Movements, Vayu (Air) Air Index Finger Touch Skin joy, happiness Power, Agni (Fire) Body Heat Thumb confidence, Form and colour Eyes fame
Water (including Spirituality,
Little Finger Apas (Water) blood and all ideas, thoughts, Taste Tongue liquids) healing
Flesh, bones &
Stability, peace Prithvi (Earth) organs and Ring Finger Smell Nose and harmony tissues The three dosha- three intrinsic tendencies, which, according to Ayurveda are intrinsic in every human being, are representation of combination of these five elements in human body. The three dosha have subtle positive essences which control the mind and body function Dosha Bhuta Composition Characteristic Vata Vayu, Akasha Prana Pitta Agni, Apas Tejas Kapha Prithvi, Apas Ojas
Taste/Rasa Associated Bhuta
Madhura/Sweet Apas, Prithvi (Earth and Water) Amla/Sour Prithvi, Agni (Earth and Fire) Lavana/Salty Apas, Agni (Water and Fire) Katu/Bitter Vayu, Agni (Air and Fire) Tikta/Pungent Akasha, Vayu (Aether and Air) Kashaya/Astringent Vayu, Prithvi (Air and Earth) Akash (Ether)
When we say Ether, words like space or a vast openness comes to one's mind. Akash means having a cavity with freedom to move. The tanmatra of ether element is Shabda (Sound). Whenever there is compactness of molecules, we get a dull sound on tapping but when there is a cavity or hollow space, we get a resonant sound. The qualities of ether element are clear, light, subtle, and immeasurable. Ether element is related with various actions like expansion, vibration, non-resistance. Sensory organ related to ether element is ear as it is hollow and transmits the sound waves.
Vayu (Air) Air is the great element that shows a sense of movement. Vayu or air initiates & directs motion or movement. Air element keeps the body in constant motion. The tanmatra of Air element is Sparsha (Touch). The sensory organ related to Air element is skin. Skin is very sensitive for detecting any movement, change in pressure or vibration in subtle form. Any movement against skin can be easily registered. Air element is mobile, dry, light, cold and subtle in nature. Its main action is to do any kind of movement. Agni (Fire) The previous element, Air performs different movements; whenever there is movement, it produces friction and leads to formation of heat or fire. This element is also called as teja or agni. All various forms of transformation including digestion of food are carried out by fire element. The tanmatra of fire element is Rupa (Vision). Perception of light is carries out by this tanmatra. Fire element is hot, sharp, light, dry and subtle. Various functions carried out by this element are penetration, digestion of food, and transformation of thoughts, intelligence and perception of light. Apas (Water)
The fourth element is water. It is also called as jala or Apa. Whenever we think of water qualities like liquidity or fluidity comes to our mind. Water shows important quality of binding - e.g. if we see dry soil, we cannot make a ball out of it. But if we add water to the soil, then we can easily make mud balls. This binding nature helps in forming different structures in the body as it binds the 2 cells together. Hence this element is a constructive force. The tanmatra of water element is rasa (taste). The sense of taste or the ability to taste depends on the liquidity that exists within in the mouth in the form of saliva. Dry mouth along with dry tongue is unable to give sense of taste. The water element exhibits qualities like cool, liquid, dull soft, and sliminess. Its main actions are cohesiveness and adhesiveness. Prithvi (Earth)
This is the last element. It is solid, dense, gross and very hard. It is related to all solid and hard structures that show shape - e.g. bones, muscles, teeth and nails. The Earth element is responsible for giving structure, shape and strength to the body. The tanmatra for Earth element is Gandha (Smell). The small particles of earth are scattered all over the palce gives us the sense of smell. The sensory organ related is nose. Nose is more hard compared to other sensory organs. Qualities of earth element are heavy, dull, dense hard and gross.
