According to Vedic science, when Spirit (Purusha in Sanskrit) takes form as life, it is called Prakriti. Prakriti is composed of five elements, known as the Maha Bhutas, which range from the finest to the grossest: space, air, fire, water, and earth. In Sanskrit, they are called Akash, Vayu, Agni, Jal, and Prithvi, respectively. Every individual is a microcosm of nature and, as such, contains all five elements. Let us explore each of them.
As Spirit takes form, it first passes through space, or Akash. The Akash element corresponds to awareness itself. It is the subtle layer beyond the other four elements and serves as the medium for the transmission of sound, including mantra. Akash is the realm of potential and possibility, where all things begin. From here, Akash animates Vayu, or air, which allows for movement, thought, and the vital breath that connects us to life. Together, Akash and Vayu form the Vata dosha in Ayurveda, the ancient medical system of India and the sister science to yoga.
Next comes fire, or Agni. Agni is responsible for heat, desire, motivation, and the sense of sight. It ignites our ability to want, to see clearly, and to digest both physically and metaphorically what we encounter in life. Agni symbolizes transformation, and it is this element that dominates the Pitta dosha.
As fire animates water, or Jal, it brings about flux, emotion, cohesion, and the sense of taste. Water’s flow mirrors our emotional states and our capacity to connect. However, when there is an excess of Jal, we may become emotionally and sensory dependent, leading to imbalance. Lastly, physical form corresponds to earth, or Prithvi. It is the densest element and manifests in the tangible aspects of the world. Anything we can smell contains Prithvi. It is the seat of stability when it is balanced. When combined, Jal and Prithvi create the Kapha dosha.
The spiritual path, however, is walked in reverse—from gross to fine. The process begins with grounding the body in stability, through Prithvi. This balance allows us to work with the emotional body, with Jal, bringing harmony to our emotions and senses. As the body and emotions stabilize, the intensity of Agni, or desire, begins to subside. Through deep breathing, we connect to Vayu, which helps us to center ourselves in the present moment. Finally, when we experience the Akashic realm, we rest in our true nature, beyond the limitations of form and thought.
The Yogic Masters tell us that God-consciousness transcends all of these elements. It is beyond even the finest element, Akash. In the stillness of this awareness, we experience unity, where the body, mind, and spirit come together in a state of pure being, free from the dualities of the material world.