Elementary Dear Reader!

The entire universe is governed by these elements ( bhutas ) each having their own effect on this vast creation.

The doshas, the fundamental energies that are the cause of uniquiness and diversity in life, in Ayurveda are referred to as Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The three doshas, in turn, are derived from the five great elements, Pancha Mahabhutas, i.e earth, water, fire, air and space! (No prizes for guessing :P) Everything in material existence is composed of these 5 elements but only living matter is said to possess the three doshas ( tridosha ). More about the doshas later, first let’s talk elements!

Every substance can be classified according to their predominant element. For instance, a gigantic mountain is predominantly made up of the earth element. But it also contains the water, fire, air and space elements albeit to a relatively lesser degree. Hence a mountain unimpeachably belongs to the earth category!

Another aspect of these elements is their relation with the five senses in our bodies. Each of our senses is aligned to a particular energy and is associated with a particular element. Our eyes, sensing light is connected to the fire element. Sound, in turn our ears, are associated with the space element. Have you ever noticed that chanting of sacred mantras has a definitive and perceptible effect of peace on the surroundings ?! Touch and our skin is associated with the element of air. Our sense of touch decreases when we swim, as we are predominantly in presence of water where the presence of the air is minimal.

Water element is connected with taste! Imagine tasting food with a dried mouth! Saliva is simply not saliva without water. And our pointy nose is connected with the earth element. Fragrance of any kind is possible due to presence of particles relating to the earth element. For instance, pure water is odorless, but mix some particles of mud and only then does one detect that smell.

The entire universe is governed by these elements ( bhutas ) each having their own effect on this vast creation. The elements are not discreet entities but flow into one another. Each includes in itself faint aspects of the other four. Ayurveda thus regards human beings, not just as the assemblage of the Pancha Mahabhutas but the assemblage plus the “immaterial self” . There is so much more to be learnt about these subtle element energies, their vastness is beyond imagination!

From one point of view, everything boils down to the play of these elements. Maybe that’s why the great Sherlock Holmes stands justified  “ Elementary! Dear Watson.