Panchamahabhutas (The five basic Elements) and its emergence in the life

Ayurveda for a healthy life ! – 2/2023

Image of Principles of Ayurveda Vata, Pitta and Kapha

1. Scientific advancement : Science is advancing by leaps and bounds. With recent scientific advancement, the understanding of Universe as well as of man is much better today. However, more we know about the intricacies of human life, more we realise how much more we are yet to know. Student of modern medicine can rattle out the functions of various organs like heart, kidneys, liver, brain etc. very well.

2. Ayurveda is philosophy of life : From time immemorial, Ayurveda has given guidelines and will continue to give guidelines to mankind about the art of living, science of health and philosophy of life. Ayurveda has studied man in relation to the Universe and has come to the scientific conclusion that man is the epitome of the Universe. All objects in the Universe right from energy particles to huge celestial bodies and from microbes to man are derived from the same basic Elements. Maintaining the consistency of the physical as well as biological elements in the body i.e. milieu interior constitutes the basic function of the physicians.

3. Aim of Ayurveda : Ayurveda, the science of life aims at attaining ideal physical, mental and spiritual health. One can acquire physical health by following Swasththa-vrutta i.e. daily and seasonal regimen. One can develop a strong mind by following Sat-vrutta i.e. rules of good conduct. One can attain spiritual health by understanding the true nature of self and his relation to the Universe as well as by developing a philosophical attitude.

4. Permutation and combination of the five basic elements

All inanimate objects in the Universe and bodies of living creatures including man are composed of the permutation and combination of the five basic Elements – Akash (Space), Vayu (Air), Teja (Energy), Apa (Water) and Pruthvi (Earth).

A. Space : It is an omnipresent and all-pervading Element, which serves as an abode to all the other four Elements and objects in the Universe. It is because of Space that one can separate or differentiate various objects or different parts of an object.

B. Air : Air contains Oxygen, which is vital for the existence of all living creatures. Air i.e. wind is responsible for all the movements in nature including the movement of clouds, leaves etc. It is in the presence of Oxygen in air that the fire can exhibit its action. Air also exerts a drying effect on other components and objects. The same wind, when ‘enraged’, turns into a storm which can uproot trees, churn the oceans, create sand and dust storms and destroy crops, houses and lives.

C. Energy : The Sun and Fire are the main sources of Energy in Nature. The Sun maintains an equitable environmental temperature and gives light, both of which are vital for survival of life. All the metabolic processes like ripening and decaying of fruits and leaves depend on the Sun or Energy. It causes evaporation of water and formation of clouds, which supply water to the earth. It is hard for man to bear the burning heat of summer as well as the biting cold of Winter. A raging fire or Agni behaving abnormally can destroy almost everything in Nature.

D. Water : Water in nature is contained in the sea, lakes, rivers, wells, clouds and rain. Water is essential for sustaining life. It exerts a cooling effect on the environmental temperature. The same element when ‘enraged’ can cause heavy rainfall, and submerge crops, houses and living creatures. Absence of or scanty rains leads to drought and famine.

E. Earth : Earth itself is predominantly solid in nature. Man builds his house from solids to take shelter and protect himself from storm, heat, cold and rain. Food e.g. rice and wheat, that we eat, is composed mainly of solids. The solids maintain life and stability in nature. When the same solid element is deranged, it destroys life as seen in house collapses or accidents like landslides or when food is unavailable or abnormal (unfit for consumption).

The five Elements in Nature, when gentle and functioning normally, are essential for and sustain life. They also generate a sense of pleasure and happiness, e.g. one enjoys the soothing effects of gentle breeze, the invigorating temperature and atmosphere.

5. Panchabhoutik constitution (The constitution based on the five basic Elements)

The basic Elements are present in every individual, human beings can be classified into 5 constitutions depending on the Element which dominates in a particular person. The characteristics of persons of different constitutions are mentioned ahead (constitution with some selective features mentioned).

A. Parthiva i.e. constitution dominant in the Earth Element : These persons have a well-developed, compact, heavy, steady and large body. Children belonging to this constitution grow rapidly and have good weight. These persons are courageous and forgive others. Tama (One of the three basic components in the Universe, signified by inertia and ignorance) quality usually dominates their mind.

B. Apya i.e. constitution dominant in the Water Element : These persons have a heavy, soft, smooth, flabby and cold body. Because of good circulation and enough fluids, all the tissues are well nourished and lubricated. They have a good reproductive ability and are happy and contented. Raja(One of the three basic components in the Universe, signified by activity & passion) and Tama (One of the three basic omponents in the Universe, signified by inertia and ignorance) qualities dominate their mind.

C. Taijas i.e. constitution dominant in the Energy Element : Such persons have a light and warm body. They are energetic, bright, intelligent, brave and sharp. However, they are impatient, intolerant, hot tempered and do not have an enduring capacity. Sattva (One of the three basic components in the Universe, signified by purity and knowledge) and Raja (One of the three basic components in the Universe, signified by activity and passion) quality dominates their mind.

D. Vayavya i.e. constitution dominant in the Air Element : These persons have a light, dry, rough and clear body with prominent pulsatile vessels. They are active, but get easily exhausted. Raja (One of the three basic components in the Universe, signified by activity and passion) quality dominates their mind.

E. Antariksha i.e. constitution dominant in the Space Element : These persons have a light and soft body. The various openings and spaces are large and the parts and organs are well differentiated. They have a good hearing power and a clear speech. Sattva (One of the three basic components in the Universe, signified by purity and knowledge) quality dominates their mind.

6. Emergence of actual life : A lingadeha (subtle body) launches itself on the clouds. From the clouds it enters the earth, through rain and from the earth it enters food grains. When an individual consumes food grains, it enters into his body. In males, it enters into one of the sperms in the semen, while in females it enters into the maturing ovum. During sexual intercourse, when a sperm fertilises the ovum, it leads to conception only if the sperm or the ovum contain a subtle body. This is how the emergence of actual life of a human takes place, wherein the body consists of only one cell. If the subtle body is present in an ovum then a girl is born, whereas a boy is born if the subtle body is present in the sperm.

(Ref.: Sanatan’s Text on Ayurveda – Principles of Ayurveda related to Vata, Pitta and Kapha)