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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.
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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.
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==Etymology and derivation==
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The word akasha is derived from Kashru-deptau dhatu, meaning  ‘that spreads all over’.<ref>Dingarilakshmanachary.Acharya’sAyurvedeeyapadarthavigyana. Delhi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit pratisthan;2012.Chapter 11,Akasha nirupana;page 64</ref>
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==Synonyms==
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Nabha, gagana, vyoma, nakshatra loka, divyaloka, viyat, antariksha and kha<ref>Dingarilakshmanachary.Acharya’sAyurvedeeyapadarthavigyana. Delhi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit pratisthan;2012.Chapter 11,Akasha nirupana;page 64</ref>
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==Contextual meanings==
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The term Akasha denotes mainly the following meanings
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# Akasha mahabhuta
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# Sky
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# Space/ether
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==Evolution of Akasha mahabhuta==
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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>
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==Numerology of Akasha==
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Akasha is eka (unique) (tarkasangraha).<ref>Dingarilakshmanachary.Acharya’sAyurvedeeyapadarthavigyana. Delhi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit pratisthan;2012.Chapter 11,Akasha nirupana;page 654</ref> It is eternal and spreads all over. (Chakrapani on [[Sutra Sthana]] 01/50).
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==General characteristics==
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A material with the predominance of Akasha mahabhuta possesses the following characteristics.
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*Soft (mrudu)
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*Light( laghu)
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*Subtle (sukshma)
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*Smooth (shlakshna)([[Sutra Sthana]].26/11)
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*The abundance of sound (shabdaguna). This property is unique for akasha mahabhuta only ([[Sharira Sthana]].01/27).
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==Specific characteristics==
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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.
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==Importance==
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Akasha mahabhuta is one of the basic six constituents of [[purusha]] or holistic human being. ([[Sharira Sthana]] 05/04)
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===In the constitution of garbha (fetus) and embryogenesis===
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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)
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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.
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===Organs and constituents in the body===
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*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).
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*In the person, akasha is represented in the form of embodiment, space ([[Sharira Sthana]] 05/05).
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===Inherent properties===
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*Akasha mahabhuta in its subtle form is one among ashta prakriti (eightfold nature of all beings) ([[Sharira sthana]] 01/64)
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*It is most subtle in nature and as a result, it is the lightest among mahabhuta ([[Sharira Sthana]] 04/12)
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*Akasha possesses dominance of sattva guna. Hence it shows the purest form. (Su.Sa.Sa 01/20)
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==Importance in clinical practice==
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*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.
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*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. 
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*On the other side, the akasha mahabhuta dominant regimen is indicated in conditions of [[kapha]][[dosha]] aggravation.
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*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.
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*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.
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==Current views and researches==
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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>
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==More information==
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* [[Vatakalakaliya Adhyaya]]  * [[Katidhapurusha Sharira]]  * [[Indriyopakramaniya Adhyaya]]
    
==References==
 
==References==
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