Pancha Mahabhuta: The ‘Great’ Elements
Mahābhūta is Sanskrit and Pāli for ‘Great’ element. In Hindu mythology, the five "great" or "gross" elements are Ether/Universal Fabric of Self, Air, Fire, Water and Earth.
The five elements form the basis of the tenets of various fields like vaastu, accupuncture, accupressure, oriental herbal medication and every some techniques practiced under the umbrella of Ayurveda.
The Taittirīya Upanishad describes the five "sheaths" of a person starting at the gross level of the five evolving great elements. From this very self (ātman) did space come into being; from space, air; from air, fire; from fire, the waters, from the waters, the earth; from the earth, plants; from plants, food; and from food, man.
Different from and lying within this man formed from the essence of food is the self (ātman) consisting of life breath. Different from and lying within this self consisting of breath is the self (ātman) consisting of mind. Different from and lying within this self consisting of mind is the self (ātman) consisting of perception. Different from and lying within this self consisting of perception is the self (ātman) consisting of bliss.
It is said that the various facets of personality reflect the interplay between these elements and one of these elements always dominates the other. For example: Earth symbolizes calmness, Air represents influence, Fire stands for ambition and water is the life dedicated to service.
Knowing the Mahabhuta is the key to knowing yourself. And in self realization lies bliss.
More blissful articles coming your way after the page of contents
The five elements form the basis of the tenets of various fields like vaastu, accupuncture, accupressure, oriental herbal medication and every some techniques practiced under the umbrella of Ayurveda.
The Taittirīya Upanishad describes the five "sheaths" of a person starting at the gross level of the five evolving great elements. From this very self (ātman) did space come into being; from space, air; from air, fire; from fire, the waters, from the waters, the earth; from the earth, plants; from plants, food; and from food, man.
Different from and lying within this man formed from the essence of food is the self (ātman) consisting of life breath. Different from and lying within this self consisting of breath is the self (ātman) consisting of mind. Different from and lying within this self consisting of mind is the self (ātman) consisting of perception. Different from and lying within this self consisting of perception is the self (ātman) consisting of bliss.
It is said that the various facets of personality reflect the interplay between these elements and one of these elements always dominates the other. For example: Earth symbolizes calmness, Air represents influence, Fire stands for ambition and water is the life dedicated to service.
Knowing the Mahabhuta is the key to knowing yourself. And in self realization lies bliss.
More blissful articles coming your way after the page of contents
No comments:
Post a Comment