The Pancha Bhoota concept in Indian philosophy explains that the fundamental structural basis of all living beings, including plants, animals, and humans, is composed of five elements known as Panchamahabhuta. The term "Panchamahabhuta" is derived from Sanskrit, where "pancha" means five, "maha" means supreme, and "bhootas" means powers. Thus, Pancha Bhoota refers to the five supreme powers or elements. These Pancha Bhootas in the human body form the subtle essence or tanmatra, which translates to "subtle essence" in Sanskrit. Each of these tanmatras is associated with one of the Pancha Mahabhuta - 5 Elements as follows:
The five tanmatras are Sound (Shabda), Touch (Sparsha), Vision (Roopa), Taste (Rasa), and Smell (Gandha), each corresponding to a specific sense organ.
1. Ether or Universal Space (Aakash):
The first of the Panchamahabhuta is Aakash or space. This element is related to freedom of movement and expansion. Its qualities include lightness, subtlety, and immeasurability. The tanmatra associated with Ether is Sound (Shabda), and the ear is the sensory organ linked to this element.
2. Air (Vayu):
The second of the Pancha Bhoota Five Elements is Air, which is associated with motion and constant movement. Air's qualities include sensitivity, motion, coolness, and subtle presence. The tanmatra connected to Air is Touch (Sparsha), and the skin serves as the related sensory organ.
3. Divine Fire (Agni):
When air moves, it creates friction, leading to the formation of Fire, the third of the Panchamahabhuta. Fire's qualities are associated with functions like penetration, digestion, intellectual conversion, and perception of light. The tanmatra for Fire is Vision (Roopa).
4. Water (Jala):
The fourth element in the Panchmahabhoota is Water, characterized by fluidity and the vital quality of binding. Water's qualities include adhesion, cooling, and liquidity. The tanmatra linked to Water is Taste (Rasa).
5. Earth (Pruthvi):
The fifth and final element of the Pancha Bhoota is Earth, which is solid, dense, and gives form, shape, and structure to physical bodies. The qualities of Earth include hardness and grossness, with Smell (Gandha) as its tanmatra. The nose is the sensory organ associated with this element.
Imbalances in these Pancha Bhutas in the human body lead to imbalances in the "tridoshas," which are the three fundamental components that constitute every human body. These doshas, determined at the time of fertilization, create an individual's prakruti (body constitution).
1. Vaat Prakruti: Dominated by Aakash (Universal Space) and Vayu (Air) elements.
2. Pitta Prakruti: Dominated by Agni (Divine Fire) elements.
3. Kapha Prakruti: Dominated by Jala (Water) and Pruthvi (Earth) elements.
The balance of these doshas is essential for maintaining health. An imbalance results in disease, making it crucial to maintain harmony through a balanced sattvic diet , regular yoga practice, and appropriate medication according to the dominant dosha. This approach helps to uphold the equilibrium of the Panchmahabhoota - 5 Elements within the body, ensuring overall well-being.
Check out our 21 Days Better Living Course -It is a course to begin your journey into the discovery of Yoga. It is designed for working professionals who may practice and learn yoga for a little more than an hour and experience the difference in their daily lives. The course teaches Yogic concepts and their application in day-to-day life. The course covers an introduction to Astanga Yoga, Asanas, Pranayamas, Kriyas, attitude training and sessions (Parisamvad) with Smt. Hansaji. Click here for details.