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The Five Elements (To be continued)
by Swami Nityamuktananda
This topic is especially relevant to Yoga; understood as the science of “stilling the modifications of the mind”( chitta vritti nirodhana ) with the goal of returning to our original nature. However: How can we reach this stillness, this peace of mind? How comes our mind is so fickle and disturbed? How do these disturbances rise in body and mind? How can I find peace? What is “my original nature”?
To find answers to these question, in one way or another, has been the endeavour of just about any culture and time,; consequently the Five Element Theory (FET) has become a vast subject, timelessly spanning the globe. In our times, we find even common ground with the most modern branch of science; Quantum theory. FET is a concept that is alive, describing the timeless wisdom of the Movement of Life! Let’s have a wee glimpse and see what we can learn from it.
Ancient people in all parts of the world have been aware of nature. They were not distracted by Bingo halls and Televisions, but spent time to feel the solid earth underneath their feet, to watch the flowing river; to feel the warmth of a living fire and understand the importance of the light of the sun; they felt the touch of the breeze on their skin and they watched the vast open spaces above. They experienced and learned……they became aware that each of their senses is finely tuned to one of these natural phenomena. And these phenomena have similarity and influence as to what happens in their own body and life.
As much as ten-thousand years ago or more people started to try to influence these powers and gradually made them into Gods; to worship, pacify or manipulate. They humanized the elements which in time unfortunately fed the muddy pool of religious differences. (But let’s keep that aside.) Man’s experience with the elemental forces revealed an inherent hierarchy within them; Earth is less fluid than Water, Fire less tangible than Water, Air is less observable than Fire- and Space just about escapes all together. In this way Space, the most subtle begged the question of whether it is still of this world? Furthermore: is it an element or is it the root of all the others? Thus Space becomes linked with the idea of the original cause of existence. We exist within this Space. We too are made up of the Five Elements as the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter XVII/15) points out: 'whatever action man performs by his body, speech and mind - whether right, or the reverse - these Five are its causes…'
Man experienced himself and his world as a manifestation of the Five Elements. He understood them as the material cause, yet as Space holds all the Elements there must be a subtler cause where physical Space itself is held, an other Space, another dimension. Observation, reasoning and meditation led men to this “subtle Space” - (chidakasha/consciousness) the 'indescribable Brahman Nirguna' (without form) – also named 'Sadasiva who shines as the self-resplendent light bringing forth the five great elements…' (Swami Sivananda). Shiva itself is present in all elements, as there is nothing on earth that is not his expression; so we are share this dual nature…physicality and divinity; matter and what lies beyond.
Albert Einstein’s famous formula: E=mc2 made us aware, that matter has another dimension i.e. energy - but few know that he indicated that both these have a common source in the Greatest Unknowable Mystery i.e. the Absolute, without form, indescribable (call it Brahman, Tao, Godhead…or indeed Great Mystery) and its expression in energy and matter. There is (using “element-speak”) the Absolute Space of consciousness (some call it Shiva) and his action power (some call it Shakti) together we have that, which “solidifies energy into matter”, much like milk is churned into butter. There is much written since time began how these two aspects are knitted together, let’s leave that aside, and focus on the matter aspect; Prakriti as we call it in Yoga. (Prakriti, Maya, Shakti or simply ‘creative energy’ (call it what you may)) we perceive in its manifest form with our senses as the Five Elements, i.e. air, fire, water and earth and physical space. Then the question comes, how does abstract energy become a tree, or me?
The Yogic teaching, not far from other traditions is, that Consciousness (Latin -with knowledge) and energy come together and through their interaction change it to ever denser material in a multiplicity of forms. We could say, there are three things involved: intelligence (wisdom) , interaction (transforming power) and the manifest result. These three we recognise in Yoga as the three Gunas: sattva, rajas, tamas.
These three subtle energies, (you might like to explore each in great depth) continue to interact, permanently moving, creating the next layer of perceptible manifestation.
In this way pure sattva is Space; the interaction between sattva and rajas creates movement we experience as Air. Rajas by itself, as continuous ‘action power’ is Fire; action power in matter, creates fluidity, we call water; and matter in an unmovable state we call earth. You can see that the scheme is dynamic – not limited to the simplified understanding of words like “Water” (simply something that comes out of the tap.)
In Indian thought, it is furthermore thought that these different states come into being through intent. One portrays consciousness behind the apparent universe as a cosmic Persona, with supreme intelligence and will. (Quantum theorists prefer to say: knowledge riding on energy like a jockey on the back of a racehorse.) What ever images minds use, this intelligence creates conditions, which result (in the obedience of the 'horse') - in actions with intent. If that Absolute “Being” intends to experience sound, it creates Space in which sound can travel; if IT intends to experience touch, air is created, unseen and subtle. Wishing to see, this cosmic person brings fire into being, and this fire expands into the numerous sources of light. Intending to experience taste, as well as coolness to counteract fire, water comes into being. And lastly, by its mere wish to smell, earth with its faculty of smell comes into being. --- ( In this way wisdom “wears the dress of a cosmic being”).
This means the world is willed i.e. ideation or thought precedes word on the journey into existence. This is noteworthy; it goes one step deeper than in most cultures, where the world comes into existence through the spoken word. here the idea precedes and, is the seed that grows into the word, by the power of Matrikashakti,( prime expression of the very creative energy, we mentioned above). Sacred words in India are called mantra. One of the most ancient mantras is: Ohm namah Shivaya; these syllables stand for: na - earth, ma - water, shi - fire, va - air, ya - space. This mantra embodies the Five Elements.
Of course man also consists of these Five Elements which dissolve in death, as we know from the Tibetan Book of the Dead and …common sense: the bodies flesh is earthy, so it returns to the earth. Blood etc. are liquid and they return to the water-element. The fire (heat) and the light in the body belong to the fire-element, they return to it. The air is offered to the cosmic air. Space merges into space… Furthermore earth dissolves in water, water in fire, fire in air and air in space. Space should be merged with cosmic space, which is the cause. Again and again, Space comes out as something special… we have to keep this in mind; because Space itself is pregnant with the intelligence, the consciousness that is responsible for generating form out of the Five Elements. Meaning: although the forms dissolve, Space energy holds the accumulated knowledge, or mind stuff of the person ! Has it enough coherence it will re-incarnate…take form again!
Space in its dual aspect, as physical-holding physical form (akasha), and as potential, knowledge of absolute abstraction (Chidakasha)…is stands out not only in Indian thought; universally this Fifth Element (without properties) is considered the divine door the awareness of this non-physical “Space” is a door…(dharana) through which illumination happens, through which we become aware of our true Nature.
A story told about Sankaracharya might serve to illustrate: It is said that when he was a young man, he went in search of his teacher. After traveling a long distance, he arrived tired at a hermitage; he walked three times around it then was directed to the cave where Govindapada lived; he prostrated at his door and began to chant a hymn in praise of the sage, than continued. "Praying to Thee for instruction in the truth of Brahman, I salute Thee, the repository of all great virtues!" Praised thus, the sage came out of his super-consciousness state, and asked, "who are you?" In reply Sankara said the following, indicative of his great spiritual enlightenment:
"Revered Sir, I am neither the earth, nor water, nor fire, nor air, nor sky, nor any of their properties. I am not the senses and the mind even. I am Shiva, the division-less essence of Consciousness." Hearing these words, the sage was delighted…
All over Asia these concepts have been explored and applied to various disciplines especially Ayurveda and Yoga. Ayurveda is built on the understanding of the five Elements, and that not in a purely literal fashion but (just as in China) in innumerable levels of subtle associations; each communicating the inherent principle of the Element – for the benefit of re-balancing people and their lives. In this way Air is seen as transparent, a rarefied, kinetic force which sets the created in motion. By Fire is meant the force in nature that by transforming one-into-another…produces heat and radiates light. By Water we understand the cohesive aspect of reality which holds things together, perfectly and simply, even if “so unlikely “ as two gases making the ubiquitous H20 molecule. Earth is understood to be the final solid (difficult to change) result and Space is understood as the prototype of complex generative subtle form .
Together, the Five Elements are expressions of the life-energy called Prana, flowing through the body like electricity in different currents, in channels (Meridians/ Nadis).
They build, nourish and maintain physical organs : Earth energy is linked to the stomach and spleen; Water energy is linked to bladder and kidney; Fire energy to heart, small intestines; metabolism and the immune system. The Air Element is linked to Lung and Large intestines; Space energy is linked to Liver and Gallbladder.
When there is imbalance in either of the energy currents, it effects our life-force and imbalance produces eventually 'dis-ease.' Balance is Health and Peace of Mind!
Imbalance or biological decay – is brought about by conditions called doshas (meaning 'that which darkens'). Each dosha receives its characteristics from particular elements. Thus the dosha called Vata reflects disharmony in Space and Air; Pitta reflects disturbances in Fire, (some say Fire and Water); Kapha reflects on Water and Earth. The particular combination of energies (mixture of Elements) present when we enter this world at birth, is known as our 'innate constitution' or prakruti. So we ourselves are shaped by these Five aggregates; their mixture determines our physical and mental wellbeing …and character! The latter led to a universal typology (resonating in Jung’s psychology). As they effect our minds, they shape ”the modifications of the mind” and with it how we experience the world. Balancing the Elements balances the Mind!
As everything that we perceive is made up of these energy fields…, there effects can and is observed and used in countless ways, in many cultures. Most prevalent in medicine, yes but also in music, art, architecture, astrology, yoga(asana) and even to govern and settle disputes. So far I used mainly Indian and Yogic phraseology – but as mentioned before, the concept is universal. Let’s look at some others:
The Vietnamese monk, the Venerable Thich Nhat Hahn, has Buddha himself explain the teachings of the Five Elements (Old path white clouds): ' The Buddha understood that Rahula was ripe to receive certain teachings. He said: "Rahula, learn from the earth. Whether people spread pure and fragrant flowers, perfume, or fresh milk on it, or discard filthy foul-smelling faeces, urine, blood, mucus and spit on it, the earth receives it all equally without clinging or aversion. When pleasant or unpleasant thoughts arise, don’t let them entangle or enslave you… Learn from the water, Rahula. When people wash dirty things in it, the water is not sad or disdainful. Learn from Fire. Fire burns all things without discrimination. It is not ashamed to burn impure substances. Learn from the air. The air carries all fragrances whether sweet or foul. Rahula practice loving-kindness to overcome anger… Practice compassion to overcome cruelty… Practice non-attachment to overcome prejudice. Non-attachment is the way of looking at all things openly and equally. This is because that is. That is because this is. Myself and others are not separate. Do not reject one thing only to chase after another." ' The all-encompassing detachment of Space is unmistakably represented.
As Buddhism spread there was a melting pot of knowledge from India and China. The Elements were a distinct part of this; understood as states of being (skandas or aggregates); analysed in terms of four elements (solidity, fluidity, heat and motion and their derivatives; the fifth being reserved for mind/consciousness). The Tibetan Cosmology reveals there integration: “'In the First Round of our Planet, one element alone - Fire was evolved. In the fire-mist… cosmos assumed a rotary motion and became a blazing globular body of undifferentiated primeval forces, all other elements lay in embryo… In the second Round, as the Element Fire assumed definite form, the Element Air separated from it and enwrapped the embryonic Planet as a shell covers an egg… In the Third Round, as the Planet, bathed in the Element Air and fanned by it, abated its fiery nature, the Element Water came forth from the vaporous air... In the Fourth Round, in which the Planet still is, air and water neutralised the activities of their Parent Fire; and the Fire, bringing forth the Element Earth, became encrusted with it.
Tibetan- , Chinese- and Aryuvedic Medicine all are built on the Five Elements (slight difference usually turn out to be in name only!) Some of these shared attributes are: stubbornness, arrogance/obduracy as well as equanimity is linked to the Earth Element and frustration/aggression as well as clarity/insight to the Water element. The indiscriminate and obsessive consuming nature is related to Fire, as well as discriminating awareness/compassion. Paranoia is linked to Air as well as confidence/ability and self-accomplishment. Torpor and confusion is linked to Space as well as ubiquitous intelligence and pervasive awareness and spiritual achievement.
In Japan all the above is shared (see application in Shiatsu) but the most important contribution here is the role they play in all the Zen Arts. The Absolute in Chinese culture is called the TAO (in Korea – Taiji); this Indescribable expresses and moves between two poles. Hence we have Yin (qui) and Yang (li) and the Movement in between--- see the three Gunas? These are the instigator of all change which then unfolds and is 'broken down into tangible components… the five elements' or wu-hsing penetrating Chinese Culture from earliest times to now.
Beyond Asia we find rich pickings, if we are able to leave our over left-brained mind, and include myth and legends of Aboriginal Australia and Africa. Here people lived continuously in the awareness of being one with nature. Australians refer to this state of being - as 'Dreaming.' As nomads, they were moving freely within both ‘Spaces’; in continuous awareness of ancestors and the Father of Fathers, Bai-a-mi. Life was/is truly holistic. The experience of the Five Elements was/is an integral, sacred part of life; which finds expression in numerous legends and myth about the Elements in the guise of Dream-heros. There is Kanbi and Jitabid for Fire;the Water Element appears as Tilak, the frog; Ankotarinja and/or Kunappipi (the earth-womb)as different aspects of Earth ; Geeger–Geeger is a Wind or Air representative and so on, and so on.
In tribal Africa the Elements are understood as the multifaceted expression of one spirit force, JOK a divine energy that lives in trees, animals, people, mountains and rivers alike. In our time Malidoma Patrice Somé, shaman and scholar shares his wisdom of the Dagara of Burkina Faso, by relating that not only the cosmological cycle is based on the Elements, but village structures, the judicary system, naming ceremonies, people and …even cultures carry the characteristics of the Five Elements……. Some of the same applications we find in the Americas. The Medicine Wheel and the Twenty Count are both of immense importance in the world of the original Inhabitants!
In Meso- and South America we find detailed knowledge of the Five Elements enshrined in the ancient language called Nahuatl; rich in symbolism and wisdom. Life and eons of time were understood as cycles of the elements. The kingdom of the Incas was known as “the Four-Corner-Region” and is reputed to be built by Patchikoto, on the principle of co-operation and harmony between all Elements as key to the idea of the “Fifth Sun Age”( in order to prevent a major cataclysm). Here, ( long before Christianity) the symbolism of the cross is used to represent the elements: It has the ascending line of fire and water, the movement line from left to right, for spirit to matter ( Air and Earth) they meet in the centre Space as 'the fifth dimension.' What about Europe? (There is much to say about early Europe and the Celtic wisdom, but let’s begin with the origin of present European culture, which can be said to lie in Greece. Plotinus (and many before him) talked quiet specific of the Elements: “Earth … the very sea… the great air…the ether and the far spread heavens… permeated by supreme pure Intelligence streaming throughout existence, as though “from all sides pouring in its light”. Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space have their “indwelling principles and Spirit Soul”. But with Aristoteles (384-322 BC) this world-view changed; the Fifth, more spiritual Element (Space of “indwelling spirit”) disappears from the agenda- which gets limited to the four more material, gross Elements. With that the materialistic thinking, which finds its crowning glory in today’s world started! From than on, mainstream Europe recognized only Four Elements . But somehow it could never totally suppress the Fifth.
There were always some which worked with the Five: such as the Christian Mystics; i.e. For Fr.M.D.Chenu and his famous contemporary Hildegard von Bingen (12th.century) the Cosmic Christ became the all-pervading spiritual Fifth Element, in which all existed and which existed in all. Hildegard von Bingen , German Abbess from the Rhine-valley; was an inspired theological scholar, composer of music and an artist, who wove the Five Elements into all her work, from her famous mandalas/ illuminations to her impressive work as medical doctor. Her book “Causae et curae” is entirely working with the Five Elements “These basic elements are within themselves so interconnected, that none can be separated from the other, and they hold so tightly together, that one calls them the essential structure of the universe….all our deeds touch and concern the Elements and are in turn touched by these” . She took the natural forces as her teacher and wrote: “Fire is the highest power under the heavens, ….it is responsible for the red blood, body-temperature; the light of vision etc.
Water…nourishes all things as wetness…water ..manifests as juice in the process of fertility… Earth has a stabilizing effect…she lets things grow out of herself…supports all creatures… is in the flesh and the cells of bones …in its ability to reproduce… .“ Consider that this is 12 th century Europe, three hundred years before the first anatomy book on “the working of the body” (Andreas Vesalius) - and it is accord with ancient medicine systems in China and India!
In the Renaissance painters, poets and ordinary people rediscovered the lushness of nature and the notion of the Five Elements came back. It was fertile ground on which holistic thinking could eventually re-grow, and prepare the ground for what we call today complementary medicine. So basically the world over people agree:
- Earth is the most dense – the state of solidity – we can perceive with all five senses.
- Water is less so – the state of fluidity – we can perceive by four senses. (no smell )
- Fire is constant transformation, constant action- we can perceive by three senses –i.e. less considerable less dense - (no taste, no touch)
- Air is movement, subtle transparent movement – we can perceive only with two senses (no taste, no smell, no vision)
- Space still subtler, nearly imperceptible; we perceive it through sound alone. Yet despite containing all others, it remains untouched by their movement, ever calm ever in balance.
These manifestations – are recognisable in the entire Universe, so also in our body. (Earth - stomach and the spleen! Water - kidney and bladder! Fire - heart and small intestines! Air - lung and large intestines! Space - liver and gallbladder) Blocks in the energy flow to these (be it on the physical, mental or spiritual level) give congestion, pain – restlessness of the mind and - eventually illness. For us to be healthy and have a peaceful mind, the blocks and their resulting toxicity has to be removed; for that Yoga prescribes asana. Each of us has individual blocks in our energy system. To know these blocks – to remove these blocks with discrimination – is to choose the right Yoga practice! There is much more to explore….
Books like: Secrets of the Big Five rediscovered (see this website) …. David Frawley (Yoga for your type) and Godfrey Devreux (Elements of Yoga) are recommended.
