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The Five Elements
Everything in the universe is made up of a combination of the Five
Elements (Pancha Mahabhutas). The human being is made up of the Five
Elements as well, but also acquires a soul or spirit. These five
elements are known as:
- Space (Akasha)
- Air (Vayu)
- Fire (Tejas)
- Water (Apa)
- Earth (Prithvi)
These five elements derive from an undifferentiated Creative
Principle, which is One. These five elements are to be understood in a
material sense as well as a subtle sense. By earth, we are to
understand not only the terrain of our planet or the iron in our red
blood cells, but also the quality of steadfastness of mind, strength of
one’s moral fiber, one’s slow and quiet undeterred advancement towards a
goal, and the resistance to the manifestations of others. By water,
we mean to imply the cohesive aspects of reality that hold things
together; this is perfectly and simply witnessed in the ubiquitous H2O
molecule.
The other elements were also intended by the ancient vaidyas
(physicians) to communicate the essential universal principle inherent
in a particular element. By fire, we mean the universal force in
nature that produces heat and radiates light; it is our passion to
pursue despite obstacles and delays; it is what burns away the cloak of
ignorance (avidya) and allows the Truth to shine with brilliance.
Fire removes doubt from the human heart and replaces it with joy. Air
is that transparent, rarefied, kinetic force which sets the universe in
motion; it moves the blood through the vessels, wastes from the body,
and thoughts through the mind; it moves the birds to warmer climates in
winter, it moves the planets around their suns. Space is the
subtlest of all elements which is everywhere and touches everything.
In the mind, it is the vessel which receives all impressions; in the
heart, it is the space that accepts love. Space is receptivity and
non-resistance to what is true.
Consequently, these Five Subtle Elements (Pancha Mahabhutas)
form the basis for all things found in the material creation, from a
grain of sand to the complex physiology of every human being. Balancing
these elements in just the right way for each individual is the key to
maintaining health and treating physical, mental, or spiritual disease
should it arise.
Copyright 2002 Scott Gerson, M.D. Used with
permission.
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