Science of Nature: Panchtatvas

The world of nature is made up of the five basic elements. Tatva is a rule. Thus, Panchtatvas or Panchmahabhutas are the basic five rules that are responsible for the creation, maintenance and destruction observed in nature. Bhut implies the eternal subtle cause that can take any form. For instance, a sapling grows from a seed, and after the death of a human his Atma (subtle seed) takes another birth and grows.

The five elements are Akashtatva (space), Vayutatva (air), Agnitatva (fire), Jaltatva (water) and Pruthvitatva (earth).

The universe is full of subtle energies of the Panchtatvas. The changes taking place in the living and non-living things are a result of the transformation happening in the elements. Panchtatvas are also responsible for all the changes taking place in a human body. These elements undergo a change in line with the changes taking place in the environment. For instance, the fire element increases after sunrise and the water element reduces. This means that Jaltatva gets converted into Agnitatva. Naturally, the fire element in the human body and in everything else rises. Since the energies of the elements are present everywhere they have an impact on all beings. The emotions in the mind, which make up one’s attitude, are also dependent upon the elements. Inflammatory thoughts represent fire, while unstable thoughts represent air. Similarly, sensitive thoughts denote water element, while self-confidence denotes earth element. A peaceful temperament indicates space element. These five elements also enter the body through the food that one eats. Any imbalance in the five elements due to any reason leads to disease.

Pruthvitatva

The solid and hard aspects in the world of nature are primarily made up of this element. The same applies to human body. All hard parts of the body such as bones, joints, ligaments, hair, teeth, cartilages, outer layer of cells, hollow organs, outer layer of veins and arteries, nerves, etc. are primarily made up of Pruthvitatva. Similarly, this element plays a major role in the formation of muscles, fat, spinal cord and semen. This element plays the role of providing strength and continuity to all the hard formations, skeleton and physical support structure in the body. At the same time, a balance in the other four elements is also necessary. Ingestion and excretion ensures the balancing of earth element in the body.

Jaltatva

The bodily energy store in the form of Ojas manifests in the form of Kaph, which is derived from water and earth elements. This provides the basic nutrition to the body. Water is the protective element in the body. It protects the body from depletion in the Akashtatva, turbulence and speed in the Vayutatva and heat of the Agnitatva. Any kind of inflammation, burning sensation or pain in the body is pacified by Jaltatva.

There are five types of Kaph (Jal + Pruthvi) in the body.

Avalambak Kaph: This Kaph resides in the chest and keeps the entire respiratory system moist and lubricated.
Kledak Kaph: This Kaph moistens the hard or heavy food stuff that reaches the stomach. It also aids in digestion by protecting the slimy lining of the stomach from acids.
Bodhak Kaph: This Kaph is the saliva and aids in knowing the taste and in digestion.
Tarpak Kaph: This Kaph is located in the head and nurtures the organs of perception and protects the nerves in the brain.
Shleshak Kaph: This Kaph located in the joints provides them with lubrication and strength. It also protects the joints from friction.

Agnitatva

Every cell in the body has Agni residing in it. The Pitta in the body is formed from fire and water elements. Tejas or the internal glow is derived from Agni. According to Ayurved, Agni is the important component involved in digestion and metabolism. It performs the functions of digesting and absorbing the food ingested and converting it into energy. Agni is responsible for all the important aspects in the body including nutrition, strength, desire, skin tone, will to live, health, Ojas, Tejas and Pran (the life energy).

Rushi Charak had mentioned that when the Agni in the body is in equilibrium, then the person lives a healthy, long and happy life. If it gets into imbalance, diseases occur. When the function of Agni completely ceases, a person dies. He had described 13 types of Agni in the human body. They include the Jatharagni, seven types of Dhatvagni and five types of Bhutagni.

Jatharagni: It is located in the stomach and lower gut and it enables the digestion of the food ingested and metabolism.
Dhatvagni: Food digested by Jatharagni is transformed into the substance of the various Dhatus. Dhatvagni converts that into the seven Dhatus (Ras, Rakt, Mams, Med, Asthi, Majja and Shukra).
Bhutagni: This Agni also described as Bhaumagni / Parthivagni, Apyagni, Agnyagni, Vayavyagni and Nabhasagni, further converts the food transformed into Sapt Dhatus into Panchmahabhutas.

Vayutatva

The life sustaining energy of Pran is derived from air and space elements. Transporting is the main function of Vayu. When it flows freely through the Nadis, it provides nutrition, energy, motility and comprehensive health to all parts of the body including muscles, nerves, cells and other organs.

There are five types of Pranas (Vayu+Akash) in the body.

Pran: This is the flow of energy active in the region of the chest. It enables the functioning of the heart and lungs.
Apan: This flow of energy is active below the navel in the region of the lower abdomen. It provides energy to the large intestine, kidney, anus and reproductive organs.
Saman: This energy flow is active in the region between the heart and navel. It energizes the liver, intestines, pancreas and stomach.
Udan: This flow of energy is active in the region of the head and mind. It activates the sense organs of eyes, tongue, nose and ears.
Vyan: This energy flow pervades the entire body. Its main functions are regulating the movements of the body, and coordinating with other Pranas and strengthening them.

Akashtatva

This is the all pervading element. It permeates everything and is boundless. Space is steady because it does not have the restlessness associated with Vayu. It is cold since it does not have the heat of Agni, and is light because it is devoid of the weight of Jal and Pruthvi. However, since other elements emerge from Akashtatva, it is the basis of them all. The other Tatvas are present in Akash in dormant form.

Science of Nature: Panchtatvas

Pruthvitatva

Jaltatva

Agnitatva

Vayutatva

Akashtatva

The following scriptures are included in the Panchatattva balance in self-healing

Spiritual science – Sapt Kosh

Naturopathy

Nadis and Chakras

The Science of Mudra

Psychology

Akshar Brahma

Niraamay for a healthy and happy life!

Vedic Calendar 2023

Main Chakras in the Body

News & Events

Where there are problems, There are solutions too ! Where there is fear,
There is Courage too!

Niraamay for a healthy and happy life!

Science of Nature: Panchtatvas

Pruthvitatva

Jaltatva

Agnitatva

Vayutatva

Akashtatva

The following scriptures are included in the Panchatattva balance in self-healing

Spiritual science – Sapt Kosh

Naturopathy

Nadis and Chakras

The Science of Mudra

Psychology

Akshar Brahma

Niraamay for a healthy and happy life!

Vedic Calendar 2023

Main Chakras in the Body

News & Events

Where there are problems, There are solutions too ! Where there is fear, There is Courage too!

Niraamay for a healthy and happy life!

Where there are problems, There are solutions too ! Where there is fear,
There is Courage too!