The Five elements (Pancha maha bhoothas): The ‘purusha’ or human being as any other living being is composed of five basic factors (five proto basic factors/elements) — earth, air, fire, water and ether (space). This theory is called 'Pancha maha bhootha theory'.
Just as an atom or a chemical element has no free independent existence, the five forces in their pure state are never found in nature. What we find are compounds of the five bhoothas, mixed together in different proportions. So, all gross matter is ‘Pancha maha bhoothas’.
(Note: The bhoothas cannot be translated into an atom or molecule or paramanu.)
In Ayurveda, 'Prakriti' is the term given for existence in the unmanifested form, from which evolves ‘Purusha’ or human being, the manifested form of existence of nature.
According to the ancient seers, there are three great cosmic forces of existence:
1. The principle of energy — that sets everything into motion or movement.
2. The principle of energy of light — radiance that undergoes transformation and emits light and heat.
3. The principle of cohesion — the force of affinity responsible for all manifestations.
These three primary life forces manifest in the body as biological humours (doshas):
The balance or equilibrium of these humours makes one healthy, while imbalance gives sickness.
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