Changes

Jump to navigation Jump to search

Pancha mahabhuta (view source)

Revision as of 18:35, 23 February 2024

17,325 bytes added ,  23 February
no edit summary
Line 1: Line 1: −
The word panchamahabhuta is made up of three words: ‘pancha’, ‘maha’ and ‘bhuta’. ‘Pancha’ means five, ‘maha’ means great and bhuta means that which exists. All the living and non-living objects in the universe are made up of panchamahabhuta. (Cha.Su. 26/10). Therefore, panchamahabhuta are the five fundamental elements responsible for the creation of the universe, including humans. Each individual has a unique panchbhautik constitution. This constitution remains in state of equilibrium in health and any imbalance results in disease. It is crucial for healthcare providers to identify panchbhautik imbalance and should have the capability to restore equilibrium.
+
{{CiteButton}}
 +
{{#seo:
 +
|title=Pancha mahabhuta
 +
|titlemode=append
 +
|keywords=Pancha mahabhuta,Pancha mahabhuta in ayurveda,Pancha mahabhuta meaning,Five fundamental elements,Importance of panchamahabhuta,Evolution of panchamahabhuta,Properties of panchamahabhuta,Characteristics of panchamahabhuta,Influence of panchamahabhuta in embryogenesis,Role of bhutagni in digestion and metabolism,Fundamental composition of dosha,Classification of marma (vital points) based on panchamahabhuta predominance,Taste (rasa) and its panchamahabhuta predominance,Application of panchamahabhuta in therapeutics,Application of panchamahabhuta in diagnostic views,Application of panchmahabhuta in disease management,Role of panchamahabhuta in creation of universe,Deole Y.S., Basisht G.
 +
|description=The word panchamahabhuta is made up of three words: ‘pancha’, ‘maha’ and ‘bhuta’
 +
|image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg
 +
|image_alt=carak samhita
 +
|type=article
 +
}}
 +
<p style="text-align:justify;">The word panchamahabhuta is made up of three words: ‘pancha’, ‘maha’ and ‘bhuta’. ‘Pancha’ means five, ‘maha’ means great and ‘bhuta’ means that which exists. All the living and non-living objects in the universe are made up of panchamahabhuta.[Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 26/10].Therefore, panchamahabhuta are the five fundamental elements responsible for creation of the universe, including humans. Each individual has a unique panchabhautik constitution. This constitution remains in state of equilibrium in health and any imbalance results in disease. It is crucial for healthcare provider to identify panchabhautik imbalance and should have the capability to restore equilibrium. </p>
 +
 
 +
{{Infobox
 +
 
 +
|title =  Contributors
 +
 
 +
|label1 = Section/Chapter/topic
 +
|data1 = [[Sharira]] / [[Pachamahabhuta]]
 +
 
 +
|label2 = Authors
 +
|data2 = Aneesh E.G., [[Yogesh Deole|Deole Y.S.]]
 +
 
 +
|label3 = Reviewed by
 +
|data3 = [[Gopal Basisht|Basisht G.]]
 +
 
 +
|label4 = Affiliations
 +
|data4 = [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre]], I.P.G.T.& R.A., Jamnagar
 +
 
 +
|label5 = Correspondence email:
 +
|data5 = dryogeshdeole@gmail.com, carakasamhita@gmail.com
 +
 
 +
|label6 = Publisher
 +
|data6 = [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre]], I.T.R.A., Jamnagar, India
 +
 
 +
|label7 = Date of first publication:
 +
|data7 = March 25, 2020
 +
 
 +
|label8 = DOI
 +
|data8 = [https://doi.org/10.47468/CSNE.2020.e01.s09.006 10.47468/CSNE.2020.e01.s09.006]
 +
}}
    
==Etymology and derivation==
 
==Etymology and derivation==
 +
<div style='text-align:justify;'>
 +
The word ‘bhuta’ is derived from “Bhu” dhatu(Sanskrit root) and  “Kta”pratyaya(suffix). It means existence in the universe.<ref>Dingarilakshmanachary.Acharya’sAyurvedeeyapadarthavigyana. Delhi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit pratisthan;2012.Chapter 12,Pancha mahabhuta;page 66</ref> That which can be perceived through the external sense organs is called Bhuta.<ref>BK Dwivedi.Padarthavijnana. Varanasi: Chowkhambakrishnadas academy;2003.Chapter 2,Dravya vigyana;page49</ref>
 +
==Five fundamental elements ==
   −
The word ‘bhuta’ is derived from “Bhu” dhatu(Sanskrit root) and  “Kta” pratyaya(suffix). It means existence in the universe.<ref>1</ref> That which can be perceived through the external sense organs is called Bhuta.<ref>2</ref>
+
The five fundamental elements are [Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 1/27]
 +
 
 +
#[[Akasha mahabhuta]]
 +
#[[Vayu mahabhuta]]
 +
#[[Agni mahabhuta]]
 +
#[[Jala mahabhuta]]
 +
#[[Prithvi mahabhuta]]
   −
==Five fundamental elements ==
  −
The five fundamental elements are (Cha.Sha. 1/27)
  −
#[[Akasha]]
  −
#[[Vayu]]
  −
#[[Agni]]
  −
#[[Jala]]
  −
#[[Prithvi]]
  −
   
Each of these elements possesses inherent physical properties.
 
Each of these elements possesses inherent physical properties.
 +
 +
==Importance of panchamahabhuta ==
 +
 +
*Panchamahabhuta are important factors in the creation of the universe. They evolve from the union of tejas (sattva dominant) and bhutadi (tamas dominant) ahamkara. The following diagram shows the evolution and development of the universe.
 +
[[file:Evolution of panchamahbhuta2.jpg|'''Image 1:''' '''Evolution process'''|thumb]]
 +
 +
===Evolution of panchamahabhuta===
 +
 +
The mahabhuta are evolved from dominance of these specific fundamental constituents of universe as below.
 +
*[[Akasha]]: Sattva dominant
 +
*[[Vayu]]: Rajas dominant
 +
*[[Agni]]: Sattva and Rajas dominant
 +
*[[Aap]]: Sattva and Tamas dominant
 +
*[[Prithvi]]: Tamas dominant
 +
 +
===Relation with human being===
 +
 +
The [[purusha]] holistic human being is formed by unification of panchamahabhuta and consciousness (chetana). [Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 1/16]
 +
 +
===Properties of panchamahabhuta===
 +
 +
Each mahabhuta has dominant inherent functions related to the sense organs. The mahabhuta can perceive enhanced other senses due to addition of subtle elements of other mahabhuta as given below.  [Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 1/26-28]
 +
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Mahabhuta !! Dominant inherent function !! Additional general functions due to fundamental composition
 +
|-
 +
| | [[Akasha]] ||Sound(shabda)||-
 +
|-
 +
| |[[Vayu]]||Touch (sparsa)||Sound(shabda)
 +
|-
 +
| |[[Agni]]||Vision(rupa)||Sound(shabda),Touch (sparsa)
 +
|-
 +
| |[[Jala]]||Taste (rasa)||Sound(shabda),Touch (sparsa),Vision(rupa)
 +
|-
 +
| |[[Prithvi]]||Smell (Gandha)||Sound(shabda),Touch (sparsa),Vision(rupa),Taste (rasa)
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
The mahabhuta provide abode for corresponding sense organs to perform their sensory functions.[Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]].8/14]. These sense organs are tools to know panchabhautik matter in the universe. <ref>Gokhale B.V. Ayurvedache Shastra Ayurveda Bhaskar.Marathi book.Mama Gokhale Janma mahotsava samilti. 2003. Pg.128-9.</ref>
 +
 +
===Characteristics of panchamahabhuta===
 +
 +
Each mahabhuta can be assessed by following characteristic feature
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
!Mahabhuta !! Characteristics
 +
|-
 +
| |[[Akasha]] || Free flow/unobstructability (Apratighatata)
 +
|-
 +
| |[[Vayu]] || Mobility (Chalatva)
 +
|-
 +
| |[[Agni]] || Heat (Ushnatva)
 +
|-
 +
| |[[Jala]] || Liquidity (Dravatva)
 +
|-
 +
| |[[Prithvi]] || Roughness (Kharatva)
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
Above mentioned criteria are applied to assess fundamental composition of any element. The signs of increase or decrease of these features in body is observed and applied in diagnosis and therapeutics. For example, if the roughness is increased, then increase in [[prithvi]] mahabhuta is known.
 +
 +
===Influence of panchamahabhuta in embryogenesis===
 +
 +
Mahabhuta play basic functions during embryogenesis. After formation of foetus(garbha),  vayu performs function of cell division/multiplication (vibhajana); agni carries function of metabolism(pachana); jala carries function of moisture or fluid(kledana); prithvi carries function of compactness or formation of mass(samhanana); and akasha carries function of enlargement of size(vivardhana). If these functions are carried out in normal proportion, the normal structure of body (shareera) is formed [Su.Sa.Sha.5/3].
 +
In the third month of pregnancy, following body constituents are formed and relative functions begin from mahabhuta.[Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]].04/12]
 +
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Mahabhuta !! Body constituents and functions
 +
|-
 +
| |[[Akasha]] || Sound, auditory sensation, lightness, fineness and space
 +
|-
 +
| |[[Vayu]] || Tangibility, sense of touch, roughness, impulsion, structuring of body tissues and maintaining of movements of the body and dosha
 +
|-
 +
| |[[Agni]] || Visible form, vision, brightness, digestion and heat
 +
|-
 +
| |[[Jala]] ||Taste, sense of taste, coldness, softness, unctuousness and moisture
 +
|-
 +
| |[[Prithvi]] || Odor, sensation of smell, heaviness, steadiness and material form
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 +
===Role of [[bhutagni]] in digestion and metabolism===
 +
 +
In the process of digestion and metabolism, the food passes through three levels of action of [[agni]]. At first it is acted upon by [[jatharagni]] for gross digestion. Then it is acted upon by bhutagni. At this level the [[agni]] component of each [[mahabhuta]] carries out selective digestion process of their respective component of food. The parthiva agni digests and metabolizes the [[prithvi]] component of ingested food. Further the body constituents are formed by selective process of [[dhatvagni]]. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/12-14]
 +
Body is formed of panchamahabhuta and so is food. When food is ingested, the relevant [[mahabhuta]] and body component is increased [Su.Sa.Su.46/526].
 +
 +
===Fundamental composition of [[dosha]]===
 +
 +
Doshas are constituted by specific [[mahabhuta]] [AS.Su.20/2] as below:
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
!Dosha !! Panchamahabhuta constitution
 +
|-
 +
| |Vata || [[Vayu]], [[akasha]]
 +
|-
 +
| |Pitta || [[Agni]]
 +
|-
 +
| |Kapha || [[Jala]], [[prithvi]]
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 +
Based on this composition, mahabhuta play vital role in determining basic constitution ([[prakriti]]) of human being. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 8/95] This principle is applied in therapeutics. In case of decrease in [[vata dosha]] in body, the regimen which increases [[vayu]] and [[akasha]] [[mahabhuta]] is prescribed. Accordingly the regimens which increase corresponding [[dosha]] are prescribed.
 +
 +
===Classification of [[marma]] (vital points) based on panchamahabhuta predominance===
 +
 +
The [[marma]] or vital points/organs in body are classified in five categories on the basis of their harmful effect on body. The harmful effect depends upon their fundamental composition of [[mahabhuta]] [Su.Sa.Sha. 6/16] as below.
 +
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
!Type of marma !! Panchamahabhuta constitution
 +
|-
 +
| |Sadyapranahara (that which cause immediate death) || [[Agni]]
 +
|-
 +
| |Kaalantarapranahara (that which cause death after some time) || [[Jala]], [[agni]]
 +
|-
 +
| |Vishalyaghna (that which cause death by removal of foreign body) || [[Vayu]]
 +
|-
 +
| |Vaikalyakara (that which cause disability or deformities) || [[Jala]]
 +
|-
 +
| |Rujakara (that which cause pain) || [[Agni]], [[vayu]]
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
Thus, mahabhuta have impact on vital force.
 +
 +
===Taste (rasa) and its panchamahabhuta predominance===
 +
 +
Panchamahabhuta composition determine specific taste of a substance.  Accordingly the rasa or tastes perform relevant biological activities and effects [Su.Sa.Su 42/03], [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 26/40]. These are applied for therapeutic purpose.
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
!Rasa !! Mahabhuta!! Physiological effect on dosha
 +
|-
 +
| |Sweet (madhura)|| [[Prithvi]], [[jala]] || Pacification of Vata, Pitta
 +
|-
 +
| |Sour (amla)|| [[Prithvi]], [[agni]]|| Pacification of Vata
 +
|-
 +
| |Salty (lavana)|| [[Jala]], [[agni]]|| Pacification of Vata
 +
|-
 +
| |Spicy (katu)|| [[Vayu]], [[agni]]|| Pacification of Kapha
 +
|-
 +
| |Bitter (tikta)|| [[Vayu]], [[akasha]] || Pacification of Kapha,Pitta
 +
|-
 +
| |Astringent (kashaya)|| [[Prithvi]], [[vayu]] || Pacification of Kapha,Pitta
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 +
==Application of panchamahabhuta in therapeutics==
 +
 +
Apart from the therapeutic uses mentioned above, the medicines having dominance of specific [[mahabhuta]] are administered in therapeutic procedures. This corresponds to relevant properties and effect of [[mahabhuta]] [Su.Sa.Su.41/6-9].
 +
 +
===In Purification therapy([[shodhana]] [[chikitsa]])===
 +
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
!Treatment !! Bhuta predominance
 +
|-
 +
| |Emesis ([[Vamana]])drug || [[Agni]] and [[vayu]]
 +
|-
 +
| |Purgation ([[Virechana]])drug || [[Prithvi]] and [[jala]]
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 +
===In pacification therapy ([[shamana]] [[chikitsa]])===
 +
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
!Treatment !! Bhuta predominance
 +
|-
 +
| |Alleviation (Shamana)drug || [[Akasha]]
 +
|-
 +
| |Constipative (Grahi) drug || [[Vayu]]
 +
|-
 +
| |Digestive stimulant (Deepana) drug || [[Agni]]
 +
|-
 +
| |Scarifiying (Lekhana) drug || [[Vayu]] and [[agni]]
 +
|-
 +
| |Nourishing (Brihmana) drug || [[Prithvi]] and [[jala]]
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 +
===Application of panchamahabhuta in diagnostic views===
 +
 +
The characteristics of panchamahabhuta are applied in diagnosis as below:
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
!Mahabhuta!! Diagnostic points
 +
|-
 +
| |[[Akasha]] || Free flow of body constituents in hollow cavities, various sounds produced inside body
 +
|-
 +
| |[[Vayu]] || Various conduction and transmission activities, transportation processes
 +
|-
 +
| |[[Agni]] || Digestive, transformation and metabolism processes, heat production
 +
|-
 +
| |[[Aap]] || Fluid balance, maintaining moisture and coldness
 +
|-
 +
| |[[Prithvi]] || Body mass, odour
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 +
The abnormalities in physiological functions are observed to assess proportion of mahabhuta.
 +
 +
===Application of panchmahabhuta in disease management===
 +
 +
Panchamahabhuta theory is applied in the management of diseases. The panchabhautik constitution of basic causative factors and pathogenesis of disease is observed. Then the medicines having opposite panchabhautik constitutions are administered to restore equilibrium in the body.
 +
 +
For example, in [[Jwara]], undigested food ([[ama]]) leads to vitiation of nutrient fluids (rasa dhatu). The digestion and metabolism are slowed down. Thus, [[prithvi]] and [[jala]] mahabhuta are increased and cause the disease state. The treatment of jwara includes langhana, swedana, pachana and medicines with bitter taste (tikta). The treatment has [[agni]], [[vayu]] and [[akasha]] dominancy. The herbs like Cyperus rotundus(musta), Zingiber officinale(shunthi) having dominancy of the same mahabhuta are administered in the management. This can be applied in various other diseases too.<ref>Bhardwaj Vikas, Sharma Pankaj, and C. Sahana.  Panchamahabhuta Siddhanta and Chikitsa-A Bird’s Eye View. Ejbps, 2016; 3(11), 154-159.</ref> Thus panchamahabhuta theory is important in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
 +
 +
==Current researches==
 +
 +
The current understanding of panchamahabhuta can be categorized under two parts:
 +
#Panchamahabhuta as important factors for biological processes
 +
#Panchamahabhuta involved in the creation of universe i.e. subtle forms of tanmatra
 +
 +
===Panchamahabhuta, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_mechanics quantum mechanics] and biological processes===
 +
 +
Modern physicist, Dr.John Hagelin pointed out that quantum physics derives everything in creation from basic ‘force’ and matter fields. These fields belong to one of five fundamental spin types-most basic concept in particle physics. He correlated the panchamahabhuta with five spin types of modern physics. Extending further, the corroboration of possibility of relation of dosha with corresponding superfield is as shown in table below:
 +
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
!Five mahabhuta !! Five spin types !! Dosha !! Super field !! Dosha !! Super field
 +
|-
 +
| |[[Akasha]] || Spin 2 = Graviton (gravity) || Vata ||Gravity || ||
 +
|-
 +
| |[[Vayu]] ||Spin 3/2 = Gravitino || Vata|| Gravity || ||
 +
|-
 +
| |[[Tejas]] ||Spin 1 =Force fields (electromagnetism) || Pitta || Gauge||  ||
 +
|-
 +
| |[[Jala]] || Spin 1/2-= Matter fields|| Pitta || Gauge || Kapha|| Matter
 +
|-
 +
| |[[Prithvi]] ||Spin 0 = Higgs fields|| || || Kapha || Matter
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
This analogy is helpful in current understanding of health. The mahabhutas are further present in body constituents like [[akasha]] (space in body, channels); [[vayu]] (air in the body gaseous exchange, Oxygen, carbon di oxide etc., breathing); [[agni]] (chemical reactions, enzymatic activity, digestion);[[jala]](water, fluids, ionic constituents); and [[prithvi]](earth, solid structures).<ref>Sharma Hari,Christopher Clark. Contemporary Ayurveda: Medicine and Research in Maharishi Ayur-Veda.Churchill Livingstone; 1 edition;1997,36-37.</ref> Body constituents like dosha, dhatu, mala, agni etc. are nothing but biological derivatives of panchamahabhuta and nothing is different than that.<ref>Singh R.H.Exploring Quantum Logic in Ayurveda with special reference to Srotovijnana of Ayurveda.2009;30(4).360-8</ref>  Therefore the panchamahabhuta are highly important causal factors that influence biological processes.
 +
 +
===Role of panchamahabhuta in creation of universe===
 +
 +
In addition to the correlation with five spins in quantum mechanics as mentioned above, the panchamahabhuta are important links in creation of universe. As per the science, the universe is evolved  from [[Avyakta|unmanifest(avyakta)]] through cosmic intelligence ([[mahat]]) and  ego([[ahamkara]]). Then the [[panchatanmatra]] (subtle forms of panchamahabhuta) are evolved from rajas dominant taijas and tamas dominant bhutadi ahamkara. The [[panchatanmatras]] are important links for knowledge that allows scientists a more detailed and quantifiable understanding of how consciousness gives rise to matter.<ref>Wallace Kieth, The Structure of Matter. Available from https://doshaguru.com/the-fundamental-structure-of-matter/ accessed on March 24, 2020.</ref>
 +
In this regard, the transformation process in the universe becomes a flow of energy.
 +
 +
== List of theses ==
 +
 +
'''I.P.G.T. &R.A. Jamnagar:'''
 +
 +
#Rao T. Srinivas(1970). Panchbhutik guna (A study w.s.r. to guru & laghu).
 +
#Upendra D. Dixit (1995). Concept of Panchmahabhuta & it’s utility in Chikitsa .
 +
#Dr. Bishnupriya Mohanty (2004 Ph.D.) Biotransformation of Panchmahabhuta& it’s interpretation in terms of cell injury.
 +
#NalageDilip H (2004).A study of Samskara & its role in alteration of Panch-bhutic composition of Dravya .
 +
#Gautam Khandeparkar (2007).Critical study of “Bhutebhyohi paramyasmatnastichintachikitsite” w.s.r. to Santarpanotthaprameha& it’s management.
 +
#AnuruchiJadoun (2012). Concept of PanchabhautikaArabdhata of Dravyas (conjugation and configuration of mahabhutas) and applied aspect of Samana and Vichitrapratyayarabdhata.
 +
#Harshal S Sabale (2013). Applied concept of Panchavidhavata in relation to their Panchabhautika conjugation and configuration .
 +
#KamlaMoond(2018). A study on PanchamahabhutaSiddhanta to develop objective parameters for assessment of Prithvi Mahabhuta
 +
 +
'''Faculty of Ayurveda, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi:'''
 +
 +
#Dwivedi L.D. (1969-M.D. and 1975-PhD).A study of concept of Panchmahabhutas
 +
#Srivastav L. P. (1988).Concept of Panchmahabhutas in the light of Samkhya, Yoga & Ayurveda.
 +
 +
'''Government Ayurved college Nagpur:'''
 +
#Bawisakar Geeta (1989). Sharir mein Panchmahabhuton ki vyapakata.
 +
#Mana S. (2000) Vibhinna Panchmahabhuta sanghatanatmaka dravyon ka prani shareera vriddhi par tulanatmaka adhyayana
 +
 +
== More information ==
 +
 +
*[[Katidhapurusha Sharira]]   
 +
*[[Indriyopakramaniya Adhyaya]]
 +
 +
=== Related articles ===
 +
 +
*[[Akasha mahabhuta]]
 +
*[[Vayu mahabhuta]]
 +
*[[Agni mahabhuta]]
 +
*[[Jala mahabhuta]]
 +
*[[Prithvi mahabhuta]]
 +
*[[Tanmatra]]
 +
 +
=== List of references ===
 +
 +
The list of references for Panchamahabhuta in [[Charak Samhita]] can be seen here [[Media:References_for_panchamahabhuta.pdf|References_for_panchamahabhuta.pdf]]
 +
 +
<big>'''[[Special:ContactMe|Send us your suggestions and feedback on this page.]]'''</big>
 +
 +
==References==
 +
 +
[[Category:Pancha mahabhuta]]
 +
 +
<div id="BackToTop"  class="noprint" style="background-color:#DDEFDD; position:fixed;
 +
bottom:32px; left:2%; z-index:9999; padding:0; margin:0;"><span style="color:blue;
 +
font-size:8pt; font-face:verdana,sans-serif;  border:0.2em outset #ceebf7;
 +
padding:0.1em; font-weight:bolder; -moz-border-radius:8px; ">
 +
[[#top| Back to the Top ]]</span></div>
Retrieved from "https://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/index.php?title=Special:MobileDiff/31509...44606"

Navigation menu