Pancha meaning 5, Maha meaning big, Bhuta meaning elements.
So Panchamahabhuta is the five big elements of the universe that we can see and feel. These elements are the structural entity of the universe. According to Ayurveda everything in life is composed of the Panchamahabhutas – Akash (Space), Vayu (Air), Jal (Water), Agni (Fire) andPrithvi (Earth). Omnipresent, they are mixed in an infinite variety of relative proportions such that each form of matter is distinctly unique
Humans are the perfect example of the universe because we are the microcosm of the universe and made of the very elements from which the entire universe is made from and these elements are referred to as “Panchamahabhutas” … translated as “The 5 Great Elements“.
For example:
- – ether provides spaciousness which ‘allows’ for movement
- – air provides the driving force behind all movement
- – fire represents and symbolizes transformation and illumination
- – water is lubricating, provides moisture and is cooling
- – earth provides structure, form and stability
Ether/Akash
Akash means having a cavity with freedom to move. The tanmatra of ether elements is Shabda (Sound). Long ago, before there was anything, there was “nothing”; i.e. no-thing, just space.
Air/Vayu
As described previously, space/ether allows for the potential to move. Meaning, if there is no space to move … movement ceases. Air/vayu, on the otherhand, is the driving force behind all movement. Simply said, vayu or air is the principle of movement.
Fire/Tejas
With the evolution of ether into air, came space and movement. The movement of vāyu brought forth vibration. The back-and-forth vibrational movement of vāyu introduces friction and with friction comes heat; i.e. fire.
Water/Jal
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.
Earth/Prithvi
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.
