Our internal states (thoughts), our behaviors (actions), and our external surroundings (environment) are profoundly interconnected. To optimize our well-being, we require a systematic framework that allows us to perceive and harmonize with these universal energetic influences. So, let’s understand the framework that was created by our scientists thousands of years ago which remains uncontested till date.
‘Pratyaksha Vidya’
‘Pratyaksha Vidya’ refers to direct perception or empirical knowledge, which follows a common logical pattern for analyzing and understanding given circumstances in life and offers remedies to beat those challenges which are not in sync with nature’s laws.
It signifies knowledge gained through 5 direct sensory experiences (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell) and also through the mind (manas). It is considered one of the primary and most reliable means of acquiring valid knowledge (Pramana).
For instance:
- Seeing a tree with your own eyes: that’s Pratyaksha Vidya.
- Feeling the heat of fire: that’s Pratyaksha Vidya.
- Experiencing joy or pain directly: this is also a form of Pratyaksha, as it’s a direct, internal experience.
The four Vedic sciences built on the principles of Pratyaksha Vidya (visible knowledge) are:
- Jyotish Shastra – Analyzes influences of universal bodies on humans
- Ayurveda Shastra – Focusing on holistic health
- Vastu Shastra – Aims to create harmonious living spaces
- Yoga Shastra – Promotes physical and mental discipline
They delve into subtle energies and complex systems and their foundational principles often trace back to direct observation of nature, the human body, and celestial patterns over millennia. While modern science employs instruments for observation, the core idea of gaining knowledge from what is “visible” or directly experienced remains a powerful one.
These systems complement each other, providing unique insights into different parts of life and showing how everything is connected. While we’ll explore each one in depth in upcoming articles, let’s first look at what is central to all four Vidyas.
Panchabhuta [Five Elements]:
Panchabhuta are the 5 primordial states of matter:
- Akash | Space | Ether Element: Affects structure of cells, Can be heard [Shabda | Sound]
- Vayu | Air | Wind Element: Affects cellular level imbalance, Heard + felt [Sparsh | Touch]
- Agni | Fire Element: Affects metabolism, heard + felt + seen [Roopa | Sight]
- Jal | Water | Apah Element: heard + felt + seen + tasted [Rasa | Taste]
- Prithvi | Earth Element: heard + felt + seen + tasted + smelt [Gandha | Smell]
What we can clearly see here is that only the Earth element can give us the full expression of life.
The Panchamahabhutas (Sanskrit: पञ्चमहाभूत, romanized: Pañcamahābhūta), or “Five Great Elements,” are fundamental concepts in Sanatana. They represent the basic components of all creation, both in the macrocosm (the universe) and the microcosm (the human body).
Here’s a breakdown of each:
Akash (आकाश) – Space / Ether
- Qualities: Subtle, all-pervading, boundless, formless, empty. It’s the medium in which everything else exists.
- Sensory Organ: Ear (associated with sound).
- Function: Provides space for growth, movement, and communication. It’s the container for everything.
- In the Body: Represents the empty spaces, cavities, and subtle channels (like ear canals, nostrils, mouth, digestive tract, capillaries).
- Psychological Aspect: Related to silence, emptiness, clarity, and the ability to expand or connect.
Vayu (वायु) – Air
- Qualities: Mobile, dry, light, subtle, rough, cold. It’s about movement, circulation, and breath.
- Sensory Organ: Skin (associated with touch).
- Function: Responsible for all motion – physical, mental, and energetic.
- In the Body: Governs breathing, nerve impulses, muscle movement, circulation, and thought processes. It’s the life breath (prana).
- Psychological Aspect: Related to dynamism, creativity, anxiety, and adaptability.
Agni (अग्नि) – Fire
- Qualities: Hot, sharp, light, dry, subtle. It’s about transformation, light, and energy.
- Sensory Organ: Eyes (associated with sight).
- Function: Responsible for all metabolic processes, digestion, assimilation, and perception. It brings light and warmth.
- In the Body: Governs digestion, metabolism, body temperature, intelligence, and perception. The “digestive fire” (Agni) is central to Ayurvedic health.
- Psychological Aspect: Related to passion, intellect, ambition, anger, and enthusiasm.
Jal (जल) – Water
- Qualities: Liquid, cold, soft, oily, heavy, sticky. It’s about cohesion, fluidity, and nourishment.
- Sensory Organ: Tongue (associated with taste).
- Function: Provides lubrication, cohesion, and transports nutrients. It sustains life.
- In the Body: Makes up all bodily fluids – blood, lymph, plasma, saliva, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid. It ensures moistness and lubrication.
- Psychological Aspect: Related to emotions, compassion, adaptability, creativity, and nurturing.
Prithvi (पृथ्वी) – Earth
- Qualities: Solid, heavy, dense, stable, hard, rough. It’s about structure, stability, and grounding.
- Sensory Organ: Nose (associated with smell).
- Function: Provides form, stability, and support. It’s the basis of all physical manifestation.
- In the Body: Forms all solid structures – bones, muscles, teeth, nails, hair, and tissues. It gives shape and strength.
- Psychological Aspect: Related to stability, patience, endurance, greed, and practicality.
These five elements are not just physical substances but also represent the subtle energies and qualities that are constantly interacting and influencing everything in existence.