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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.
{{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 = April 10, 2020
}}
==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>
==Synonyms==
Nabha, gagana, vyoma, nakshatra loka, divyaloka, viyat, antariksha and kha<ref name=Dingari2012 />
==Contextual meanings==
The term Akasha denotes mainly the following meanings
# Akasha mahabhuta
# Sky
# Space/ether
==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>
==Numerology of Akasha==
Akasha is eka (unique) (tarkasangraha).<ref name=Dingari2012 /> It is eternal and spreads all over. (Chakrapani on [[Sutra Sthana]] 01/50).
==General characteristics==
A material with the predominance of Akasha mahabhuta possesses the following characteristics.
*Soft (mrudu)
*Light( laghu)
*Subtle (sukshma)
*Smooth (shlakshna)([[Sutra Sthana]].26/11)
*The abundance of sound (shabdaguna). This property is unique for akasha mahabhuta only ([[Sharira Sthana]].01/27).
==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.
==Importance==
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===
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.
===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).
*In the person, akasha is represented in the form of embodiment, space ([[Sharira Sthana]] 05/05).
===Inherent properties===
*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)
*Akasha possesses dominance of sattva guna. Hence it shows the purest form. (Su.Sa.Sa 01/20)
==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.
*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.
*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.
==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>
==More information==
* [[Vatakalakaliya Adhyaya]]
* [[Katidhapurusha Sharira]]
* [[Indriyopakramaniya Adhyaya]]
=== Related articles ===
*[[Vayu mahabhuta]]
*[[Agni mahabhuta]]
*[[Jala mahabhuta]]
*[[Prithvi mahabhuta]]
The list of references for Akasha in Charak Samhita can be seen [[Media:Table_of_references_for_Akasha.pdf|here]]
==References==
[[Category:Pancha mahabhuta]]
Created page with " The word Akasha literally means ‘a free or open space’ or ‘the ether’, ‘sky’ or ‘atmosphere’.<ref>Monier-Williams, Monier-Williams Sanskrit- English Dictionar..."
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 = April 10, 2020
}}
==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>
==Synonyms==
Nabha, gagana, vyoma, nakshatra loka, divyaloka, viyat, antariksha and kha<ref name=Dingari2012 />
==Contextual meanings==
The term Akasha denotes mainly the following meanings
# Akasha mahabhuta
# Sky
# Space/ether
==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>
==Numerology of Akasha==
Akasha is eka (unique) (tarkasangraha).<ref name=Dingari2012 /> It is eternal and spreads all over. (Chakrapani on [[Sutra Sthana]] 01/50).
==General characteristics==
A material with the predominance of Akasha mahabhuta possesses the following characteristics.
*Soft (mrudu)
*Light( laghu)
*Subtle (sukshma)
*Smooth (shlakshna)([[Sutra Sthana]].26/11)
*The abundance of sound (shabdaguna). This property is unique for akasha mahabhuta only ([[Sharira Sthana]].01/27).
==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.
==Importance==
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===
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.
===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).
*In the person, akasha is represented in the form of embodiment, space ([[Sharira Sthana]] 05/05).
===Inherent properties===
*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)
*Akasha possesses dominance of sattva guna. Hence it shows the purest form. (Su.Sa.Sa 01/20)
==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.
*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.
*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.
==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>
==More information==
* [[Vatakalakaliya Adhyaya]]
* [[Katidhapurusha Sharira]]
* [[Indriyopakramaniya Adhyaya]]
=== Related articles ===
*[[Vayu mahabhuta]]
*[[Agni mahabhuta]]
*[[Jala mahabhuta]]
*[[Prithvi mahabhuta]]
The list of references for Akasha in Charak Samhita can be seen [[Media:Table_of_references_for_Akasha.pdf|here]]
==References==
[[Category:Pancha mahabhuta]]