Akasha: Difference between revisions
No edit summary |
No edit summary |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
The word Akasha literally means ‘a free or open space’ or ‘the ether’, ‘sky’ or ‘atmosphere’.<ref>Monier-Williams, Monier-Williams Sanskrit- English Dictionary, 1st edition; Oxford University Press, akasa, Page 126-27</ref> It is one of the [[panchamahabhuta]] ([[Sharira Sthana]] 1/27). In human biology, the empty space in the body or cavity corresponds to akasha mahabhuta. Akasha is one of the five basic constituents or fundamental elements of the universe. | The word Akasha literally means ‘a free or open space’ or ‘the ether’, ‘sky’ or ‘atmosphere’.<ref>Monier-Williams, Monier-Williams Sanskrit- English Dictionary, 1st edition; Oxford University Press, akasa, Page 126-27</ref> It is one of the [[panchamahabhuta]] ([[Sharira Sthana]] 1/27). In human biology, the empty space in the body or cavity corresponds to akasha mahabhuta. Akasha is one of the five basic constituents or fundamental elements of the universe. | ||
{{Infobox | |||
|title = Contributors | |||
|label1 = Section/Chapter/topic | |||
|data1 = [[Sharira]] / [[Pachamahabhuta]] / Akasha | |||
|label2 = Authors | |||
|data2 = Aneesh E.G., Deole Y.S. | |||
|label3 = Reviewed by | |||
|data3 = Basisht G. | |||
|label4 = Affiliations | |||
|data4 = [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre]], I.P.G.T.& R.A., Jamnagar | |||
|label5 = Correspondence email: | |||
|data5 = carakasamhita@gmail.com | |||
|label6 = Date of first publication: | |||
|data6 = March 25, 2020 | |||
}} | |||
==Etymology and derivation== | ==Etymology and derivation== | ||
The word akasha is derived from Kashru-deptau dhatu, meaning ‘that spreads all over’.<ref name=Dingari2012>Dingarilakshmanachary.Acharya’sAyurvedeeyapadarthavigyana. Delhi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit pratisthan;2012.Chapter 11,Akasha nirupana;page 64-65</ref> | The word akasha is derived from Kashru-deptau dhatu, meaning ‘that spreads all over’.<ref name=Dingari2012>Dingarilakshmanachary.Acharya’sAyurvedeeyapadarthavigyana. Delhi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit pratisthan;2012.Chapter 11,Akasha nirupana;page 64-65</ref> | ||
==Synonyms== | ==Synonyms== | ||
Nabha, gagana, vyoma, nakshatra loka, divyaloka, viyat, antariksha and kha<ref name=Dingari2012 /> | Nabha, gagana, vyoma, nakshatra loka, divyaloka, viyat, antariksha and kha<ref name=Dingari2012 /> | ||
==Contextual meanings== | ==Contextual meanings== | ||
The term Akasha denotes mainly the following meanings | The term Akasha denotes mainly the following meanings | ||
# Akasha mahabhuta | # Akasha mahabhuta | ||
# Sky | # Sky | ||
# Space/ether | # Space/ether | ||
==Evolution of Akasha mahabhuta== | ==Evolution of Akasha mahabhuta== | ||
In the sequence of the evolution process of [[panchamahabhuta]], Akasha is the first mahabhuta. It evolves from subtle form ‘shabdatanmatra.’<ref>BK Dwivedi.Padarthavijnana. Varanasi: Chowkhambakrishnadasacademy;2003.Chapter 2,Dravya vigyana;page 70</ref> | In the sequence of the evolution process of [[panchamahabhuta]], Akasha is the first mahabhuta. It evolves from subtle form ‘shabdatanmatra.’<ref>BK Dwivedi.Padarthavijnana. Varanasi: Chowkhambakrishnadasacademy;2003.Chapter 2,Dravya vigyana;page 70</ref> | ||
==Numerology of Akasha== | ==Numerology of Akasha== | ||
Akasha is eka (unique) (tarkasangraha).<ref name=Dingari2012 /> It is eternal and spreads all over. (Chakrapani on [[Sutra Sthana]] 01/50). | Akasha is eka (unique) (tarkasangraha).<ref name=Dingari2012 /> It is eternal and spreads all over. (Chakrapani on [[Sutra Sthana]] 01/50). | ||
==General characteristics== | ==General characteristics== | ||
A material with the predominance of Akasha mahabhuta possesses the following characteristics. | A material with the predominance of Akasha mahabhuta possesses the following characteristics. | ||
*Soft (mrudu) | *Soft (mrudu) | ||
| Line 20: | Line 55: | ||
*Smooth (shlakshna)([[Sutra Sthana]].26/11) | *Smooth (shlakshna)([[Sutra Sthana]].26/11) | ||
*The abundance of sound (shabdaguna). This property is unique for akasha mahabhuta only ([[Sharira Sthana]].01/27). | *The abundance of sound (shabdaguna). This property is unique for akasha mahabhuta only ([[Sharira Sthana]].01/27). | ||
==Specific characteristics== | ==Specific characteristics== | ||
Free flow/unobstructability (apratighatatva) is the characteristic feature of akasha mahabhuta ([[Sharira Sthana]] 01/29). Free flow or transport of nutrients in srotasa (transportation systems) indicates this feature of akasha. The empty space or hollow cavities in biological systems are denoted. | Free flow/unobstructability (apratighatatva) is the characteristic feature of akasha mahabhuta ([[Sharira Sthana]] 01/29). Free flow or transport of nutrients in srotasa (transportation systems) indicates this feature of akasha. The empty space or hollow cavities in biological systems are denoted. | ||
==Importance== | ==Importance== | ||
Akasha mahabhuta is one of the basic six constituents of [[purusha]] or holistic human being. ([[Sharira Sthana]] 05/04) | Akasha mahabhuta is one of the basic six constituents of [[purusha]] or holistic human being. ([[Sharira Sthana]] 05/04) | ||
===In the constitution of garbha (fetus) and embryogenesis=== | ===In the constitution of garbha (fetus) and embryogenesis=== | ||
Shabda (sound), shrotra (audition), laghava (lightness), saukshmya (fineness) and viveka (disintegration) in the fetus are attributed to akasha mahabhuta([[Sharira Sthana]]04/12). Akasha mahabhuta is a factor responsible for determining [[prakriti]] (constitution) of human being formed in embryonic life. It is categorized under mahabhutavikara prakriti. ([[Vimana Sthana]].08/95) | Shabda (sound), shrotra (audition), laghava (lightness), saukshmya (fineness) and viveka (disintegration) in the fetus are attributed to akasha mahabhuta([[Sharira Sthana]]04/12). Akasha mahabhuta is a factor responsible for determining [[prakriti]] (constitution) of human being formed in embryonic life. It is categorized under mahabhutavikara prakriti. ([[Vimana Sthana]].08/95) | ||
After the formation of garbha(fetus), akasha is responsible for vivardhana(enlargement) (Su.Sa.Sa 05/03). It provides space for enlargement of the size of the fetus. | After the formation of garbha(fetus), akasha is responsible for vivardhana(enlargement) (Su.Sa.Sa 05/03). It provides space for enlargement of the size of the fetus. | ||
===Organs and constituents in the body=== | ===Organs and constituents in the body=== | ||
*Sound, auditory organ, all orifices and distinctness (bones, blood vessels, ligaments etc) in the body are attributed to akasha mahabhuta (Su.Sa.Sa 01/19). | *Sound, auditory organ, all orifices and distinctness (bones, blood vessels, ligaments etc) in the body are attributed to akasha mahabhuta (Su.Sa.Sa 01/19). | ||
*In the person, akasha is represented in the form of embodiment, space ([[Sharira Sthana]] 05/05). | *In the person, akasha is represented in the form of embodiment, space ([[Sharira Sthana]] 05/05). | ||
===Inherent properties=== | ===Inherent properties=== | ||
*Akasha mahabhuta in its subtle form is one among ashta prakriti (eightfold nature of all beings) ([[Sharira sthana]] 01/64) | *Akasha mahabhuta in its subtle form is one among ashta prakriti (eightfold nature of all beings) ([[Sharira sthana]] 01/64) | ||
*It is most subtle in nature and as a result, it is the lightest among mahabhuta ([[Sharira Sthana]] 04/12) | *It is most subtle in nature and as a result, it is the lightest among mahabhuta ([[Sharira Sthana]] 04/12) | ||
*Akasha possesses dominance of sattva guna. Hence it shows the purest form. (Su.Sa.Sa 01/20) | *Akasha possesses dominance of sattva guna. Hence it shows the purest form. (Su.Sa.Sa 01/20) | ||
==Importance in clinical practice== | ==Importance in clinical practice== | ||
*The [[vata]][[dosha]] is constituted from [[vayu]] and akasha mahabhuta.<ref>Shivprasad Sharma, editor. Astaangasamgraha by vridhavaagbata with SasilekhaCommentry. 3rd edition. Varanasi: Chowkhamba Sanskrit series office, 2012. Sootrastaana 20; p..</ref> In [[vata]] [[prakriti]] individual, the dominance of properties of akasha mahabhuta are observed. | *The [[vata]][[dosha]] is constituted from [[vayu]] and akasha mahabhuta.<ref>Shivprasad Sharma, editor. Astaangasamgraha by vridhavaagbata with SasilekhaCommentry. 3rd edition. Varanasi: Chowkhamba Sanskrit series office, 2012. Sootrastaana 20; p..</ref> In [[vata]] [[prakriti]] individual, the dominance of properties of akasha mahabhuta are observed. | ||
*Similarly, in conditions of [[vata]][[dosha]] aggravation, akasha mahabuta predominance is observed. The treatment of such conditions is done by avoiding diet and lifestyle measures with akasha predominance. | *Similarly, in conditions of [[vata]][[dosha]] aggravation, akasha mahabuta predominance is observed. The treatment of such conditions is done by avoiding diet and lifestyle measures with akasha predominance. | ||
*On the other side, the akasha mahabhuta dominant regimen is indicated in conditions of [[kapha]][[dosha]] aggravation. | *On the other side, the akasha mahabhuta dominant regimen is indicated in conditions of [[kapha]][[dosha]] aggravation. | ||
*The action of drugs having more akasha mahabhuta is shamana (pacifies dosha) (Su.sa.su.41/06-09). Akasha predominant drugs are selected for shamana treatment. | *The action of drugs having more akasha mahabhuta is shamana (pacifies dosha) (Su.sa.su.41/06-09). Akasha predominant drugs are selected for shamana treatment. | ||
*The drugs which are bitter in taste (tikta) have panchabhuta constitution as [[vayu]] and akasha(Su.sa.su.42/03). This can produce mardava (softness), saushirya (porousness) and laghava(lightness) in the body ([[Sutra Sthana]].26/11). Therefore these are part of langhana treatment prescribed in diseases due to over-nutrition. | *The drugs which are bitter in taste (tikta) have panchabhuta constitution as [[vayu]] and akasha(Su.sa.su.42/03). This can produce mardava (softness), saushirya (porousness) and laghava(lightness) in the body ([[Sutra Sthana]].26/11). Therefore these are part of langhana treatment prescribed in diseases due to over-nutrition. | ||
==Current views and researches== | ==Current views and researches== | ||
In view of quantum mechanics, the akasha mahabhuta corroborates to spin 2 (graviton) and superfield gravity. In the body, it corresponds with the body channels and spaces.<ref>Sharma Hari,Christopher Clark. Contemporary Ayurveda: Medicine and Research in Maharishi Ayur-Veda.Churchill Livingstone; 1 edition;1997,36-37</ref> | In view of quantum mechanics, the akasha mahabhuta corroborates to spin 2 (graviton) and superfield gravity. In the body, it corresponds with the body channels and spaces.<ref>Sharma Hari,Christopher Clark. Contemporary Ayurveda: Medicine and Research in Maharishi Ayur-Veda.Churchill Livingstone; 1 edition;1997,36-37</ref> | ||
| Line 50: | Line 99: | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
[[Category:Pancha mahabhuta]] | |||