Difference between revisions of "Tanmatra"
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− | The Sanskrit word ‘tanmatra’ literally means subtle elements. It reflects the knowledge of atoms in ancient classics. Ayurveda being the life science has focused on the genesis of life along with the fulfillment of long healthy life. This concept of genesis of life in Ayurveda find its roots in Sankhya philosophy and Vedant Philosophy. This concept of tanmatras is reflected as the influence of Sankhya and Vedant philosophy on Ayurved. | + | The Sanskrit word ‘tanmatra’ literally means subtle elements. It reflects the knowledge of atoms in ancient classics. [[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]] being the [[Ayu|life]] science has focused on the genesis of [[Ayu|life]] along with the fulfillment of long healthy [[Ayu|life]]. This concept of genesis of [[Ayu|life]] in [[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]] find its roots in [[Sharira Sankhya Sharira|Sankhya]] philosophy and Vedant Philosophy. This concept of tanmatras is reflected as the influence of [[Sharira Sankhya Sharira|Sankhya]] and Vedant philosophy on [[Ayurveda|Ayurved]]. |
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=== Definition === | === Definition === | ||
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− | Tanmatras are trifled, rudimentary or subtle elements from which the grosser elements (mahabhoota) are produced.<ref>Sir Monnier Williams, Sanskrit English Dictionary, Southern Publication, Madras, 1987, P. 434.</ref> The shabdadi (subject of senses/ quality of Mahabhootas) which are anudbhuta (In evolutionary stage) and can not be sensed by external sense organs are ‘tanmatras’. Only a person with highly developed senses like yogi can experience it.<ref>Dalhan, NibandhSangraha commentary on SushrutSamhita,SharirSthana Chapter1,Verse 4,Chaukhamba Orientallia, Varanasi 1997,p. 339.</ref></div> | + | Tanmatras are trifled, rudimentary or subtle elements from which the grosser elements ([[Pancha mahabhuta|mahabhoota]]) are produced.<ref>Sir Monnier Williams, Sanskrit English Dictionary, Southern Publication, Madras, 1987, P. 434.</ref> The shabdadi (subject of senses/ quality of [[Pancha mahabhuta|Mahabhootas]]) which are anudbhuta (In evolutionary stage) and can not be sensed by external sense organs are ‘tanmatras’. Only a person with highly developed senses like yogi can experience it.<ref>Dalhan, NibandhSangraha commentary on SushrutSamhita,SharirSthana Chapter1,Verse 4,Chaukhamba Orientallia, Varanasi 1997,p. 339.</ref></div> |
== Types of tanmatras == | == Types of tanmatras == | ||
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There are five sense perceptions -hearing, touch, sight, taste and smell and there are five tanmatras corresponding to the five-sense perception <ref>Gaudpadabhashya on ShriIshvarkrishnavirachitaSankhyakarika,Verse22 Chaukhamba Sanskrit SerieseOffice,Varanasi, 1953. P.4,5.</ref> | There are five sense perceptions -hearing, touch, sight, taste and smell and there are five tanmatras corresponding to the five-sense perception <ref>Gaudpadabhashya on ShriIshvarkrishnavirachitaSankhyakarika,Verse22 Chaukhamba Sanskrit SerieseOffice,Varanasi, 1953. P.4,5.</ref> | ||
<br/>These are five in number | <br/>These are five in number | ||
− | # Shabdatanmatra or sukshma akasha mahabhuta | + | # Shabdatanmatra or sukshma [[Akasha mahabhuta|akasha mahabhuta]] |
− | # Sparshatanmatra or | + | # Sparshatanmatra or sukshma [[Vayu mahabhuta|vayumahabhuta]] |
− | # Rupa tanmatra or | + | # Rupa tanmatra or sukshma [[Agni mahabhuta|teja/agnimahabhuta]] |
− | # Rasa tanmatra or | + | # Rasa tanmatra or sukshma [[Jala mahabhuta|jala/aapmahabhuta]] |
− | # Gandhatanmatra or | + | # Gandhatanmatra or sukshma [[Prithvi mahabhuta|prithvimahabhuta]]</div> |
=== Synonyms === | === Synonyms === | ||
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| style="text-align:center;" | 1 | | style="text-align:center;" | 1 | ||
| Mulaprakriti (origin/ creator) | | Mulaprakriti (origin/ creator) | ||
− | | prakriti | + | | [[Prakriti|prakriti]] |
| style="text-align:center;" | 01 | | style="text-align:center;" | 01 | ||
|- | |- | ||
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| style="text-align:center;" | 3 | | style="text-align:center;" | 3 | ||
| Vikar (creation) | | Vikar (creation) | ||
− | | Panchamahabhoota (Five fundamental elements)<br/>Panchajnanendrya (Five sense organs)<br/>Panchakarmendriya (five motor organs)<br/>Mind (mana) | + | | [[Pancha mahabhuta|Panchamahabhoota]] (Five fundamental elements)<br/>Panchajnanendrya (Five sense organs)<br/>Panchakarmendriya (five motor organs)<br/>[[Manas|Mind (mana)]] |
| style="text-align:center;" | 16 | | style="text-align:center;" | 16 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| style="text-align:center;" | 4 | | style="text-align:center;" | 4 | ||
− | | Na prakriti navikar (neither creator nor creation) | + | | Na [[Prakriti|prakriti]] navikar (neither creator nor creation) |
− | | Purusha | + | | [[Purusha|Purusha]] |
| style="text-align:center;" | 01 | | style="text-align:center;" | 01 | ||
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
<div style='text-align:justify;'> | <div style='text-align:justify;'> | ||
− | According to Sankhyas at the initial stage the two original eternal principles are mulaprakruti or avyakta (principal origin) and purusha.<br/>Prakriti is the original state with balanced state of triguna, everything is in a mass and one thing cannot be distinguished from one another. Prakriti with the help of purusha causes the creation. <ref>Dr.D.L. Chary, A Textbook of PadarthaVijnanaEvumAyurvedItihasa,Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratishthan,Delhi,2017, P.74.</ref><br/> | + | According to Sankhyas at the initial stage the two original eternal principles are mulaprakruti or [[Avyakta|avyakta]] (principal origin) and [[Purusha|purusha]].<br/>[[Prakriti|Prakriti]] is the original state with balanced state of [[Triguna|triguna]], everything is in a mass and one thing cannot be distinguished from one another. [[Prakriti|Prakriti]] with the help of [[Purusha|purusha]] causes the creation. <ref>Dr.D.L. Chary, A Textbook of PadarthaVijnanaEvumAyurvedItihasa,Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratishthan,Delhi,2017, P.74.</ref><br/> |
− | The next principle mahat (cosmic intellect) gets originated from avyakta, and this further originates ahankara (ego/ self sense of cosmos). The ahankara is of three types. | + | The next principle mahat (cosmic intellect) gets originated from [[Avyakta|avyakta]], and this further originates ahankara (ego/ self sense of cosmos). The ahankara is of three types. |
− | # Sattvika: Ahankara with dominance of sattva, also known as vaikarika. | + | # Sattvika: Ahankara with dominance of [[Sattva|sattva]], also known as vaikarika. |
− | # Rajasika: Ahankara with dominance of rajas, also known as tejas. | + | # Rajasika: Ahankara with dominance of [[Rajas|rajas]], also known as tejas. |
− | # Tamasika: Ahankara with dominance of tamas, also known as bhutadi. | + | # Tamasika: Ahankara with dominance of [[Tamas|tamas]], also known as bhutadi. |
− | The tanmatras originate from tamas ahankara with the help of rajas ahankara. These tanmatras are subtle structures considered as ‘avishesha’ and are the sources of panchamahabhuta (five basic elements). The panchamahabhuta are macroscopic structures and categorized as vikara (creations). Eleven indriyas originate from satvika ahankara with help of rajasika ahankara. Tanmatras are principles/ elements with dual nature (i.e. creator and creations) originated from tamas and rajas ahankara. These tanmatras create gross elements.</div> | + | The tanmatras originate from tamas ahankara with the help of [[Rajas|rajas]] ahankara. These tanmatras are subtle structures considered as ‘avishesha’ and are the sources of panchamahabhuta (five basic elements). The [[Pancha mahabhuta|panchamahabhuta]] are macroscopic structures and categorized as vikara (creations). Eleven [[Indriya|indriyas]] originate from satvika ahankara with help of rajasika ahankara. Tanmatras are principles/ elements with dual nature (i.e. creator and creations) originated from [[Tamas|tamas]] and [[Rajas|rajas]] ahankara. These tanmatras create gross elements.</div> |
== Vedant philosophy == | == Vedant philosophy == | ||
− | <div style='text-align:justify;'>In the text ‘Vedant Sara’, in context of explaining the surge of universe, it is mentioned that Chaitanya (consciousness), when covered by tamas dominance, creates akasha. Thereafter, vayu is originates from akasha; teja originates from vayu and further jala originates from teja. Lastly prithvi originates from jala. At this time, these subtle elements (sukshmabhuta) or tanmatras are apanchikruta<ref>ShrimatsadanandYogeendra, Vedantsar, Verse 18, Chaukhambha Publishers, Varanasi,1998, P28</ref> (singular and not quintupled).. | + | <div style='text-align:justify;'>In the text ‘Vedant Sara’, in context of explaining the surge of universe, it is mentioned that Chaitanya (consciousness), when covered by [[Tamas|tamas]] dominance, creates [[Akasha mahabhuta|akasha]]. Thereafter, [[Vayu mahabhuta|vayu]] is originates from [[Akasha mahabhuta|akasha]]; [[Agni mahabhuta|teja]] originates from [[Vayu mahabhuta|vayu]] and further [[Jala mahabhuta|jala]] originates from [[Agni mahabhuta|teja]]. Lastly [[Prithvi mahabhuta|prithvi]] originates from [[Jala mahabhuta|jala]]. At this time, these subtle elements (sukshmabhuta) or tanmatras are apanchikruta<ref>ShrimatsadanandYogeendra, Vedantsar, Verse 18, Chaukhambha Publishers, Varanasi,1998, P28</ref> (singular and not quintupled).. |
<br/>Panchikarana (quintiplication) is the process explained by Vedanta for the formation of gross elements from tanmatras.</div> | <br/>Panchikarana (quintiplication) is the process explained by Vedanta for the formation of gross elements from tanmatras.</div> | ||
Revision as of 13:42, 28 November 2022
The Sanskrit word ‘tanmatra’ literally means subtle elements. It reflects the knowledge of atoms in ancient classics. Ayurveda being the life science has focused on the genesis of life along with the fulfillment of long healthy life. This concept of genesis of life in Ayurveda find its roots in Sankhya philosophy and Vedant Philosophy. This concept of tanmatras is reflected as the influence of Sankhya and Vedant philosophy on Ayurved.
Section/Chapter | Concepts/Tanmatra |
---|---|
Authors | NawkarMadhumati S.1 |
Reviewer | Basisht G.2, |
Editor | Deole Y.S.3 |
Affiliations |
1DepartmentofSanskritSamhitaSiddhanta, R. T. AyurvedMahavidyalaya, Akola, Maharashtra, India 2 Rheumatologist, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A. 3Department ofKayachikitsa, G.J.Patel Institute of Ayurvedic Studies and Research, New Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat, India |
Correspondence emails |
madhumati.nawkar@gmail.com, carakasamhita@gmail.com |
Publisher | Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre, I.T.R.A., Jamnagar, India |
Date of publication: | November 24, 2022 |
DOI | In process |
Etymology
Definition
Types of tanmatras
There are five sense perceptions -hearing, touch, sight, taste and smell and there are five tanmatras corresponding to the five-sense perception [4]
These are five in number
- Shabdatanmatra or sukshma akasha mahabhuta
- Sparshatanmatra or sukshma vayumahabhuta
- Rupa tanmatra or sukshma teja/agnimahabhuta
- Rasa tanmatra or sukshma jala/aapmahabhuta
- Gandhatanmatra or sukshma prithvimahabhuta
Synonyms
Concept of Tanmatra as per Sankhyaphilosophy
Sr no. | Category | Name | Number |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Mulaprakriti (origin/ creator) | prakriti | 01 |
2 | Prakriti-vikriti (creator & creation dual nature) | Mahat Ahankar Panchtanmatra |
07 |
3 | Vikar (creation) | Panchamahabhoota (Five fundamental elements) Panchajnanendrya (Five sense organs) Panchakarmendriya (five motor organs) Mind (mana) |
16 |
4 | Na prakriti navikar (neither creator nor creation) | Purusha | 01 |
According to Sankhyas at the initial stage the two original eternal principles are mulaprakruti or avyakta (principal origin) and purusha.
Prakriti is the original state with balanced state of triguna, everything is in a mass and one thing cannot be distinguished from one another. Prakriti with the help of purusha causes the creation. [9]
The next principle mahat (cosmic intellect) gets originated from avyakta, and this further originates ahankara (ego/ self sense of cosmos). The ahankara is of three types.
- Sattvika: Ahankara with dominance of sattva, also known as vaikarika.
- Rajasika: Ahankara with dominance of rajas, also known as tejas.
- Tamasika: Ahankara with dominance of tamas, also known as bhutadi.
Vedant philosophy
Panchikarana (quintiplication) is the process explained by Vedanta for the formation of gross elements from tanmatras.
Vaisheshika philosophy
Ayurveda
Theories of origination of mahabhutas from tanmatras
- Each mahabhuta originates from its own tanmatra. As commented by Shri Gaudapad on Sankhyakarika, akasha originated from shabdatanmatra, vayu from sparshatanmatra, agni from rupatanmatra, jala from rasa tanmatra and prithvi from gandhatanmatra respectively.[13]
- Quintiplication (panchikarana):
In Vedant philosophy, it is believed that for formation of each gross element all tanmatras take part in specific proportion. The dominance of concerned tanmatra gives rise to the concerned mahabhoota. That is in each sthulabhuta 50% or ½ portion will show dominance of its own tanmatra and rest four tanmatras will occupy 1/8th portion (12.50%) each. This is known as panchikarana.[14]
For example, akasha mahabhoota is formed by combination of - 50% of shabdatanmatra, 12.5% of sparshatanmatra, 12.5% of rupatanmatra, 12.5% of rasa tanmatra and 12.5% of gandhatanmatra.
- Addition of properties (kramotpatti[15]/ bhutantaraanupravesha[16]/ ekottarparivriddhi[17])
When the gross elements originate from its own tanmatra, the previous element’s tanmatra also plays role in its creation. That means first akash originates from shabdatanmatra. Thereafter, vayumahabhoota originates from sparshatanmatra along with shabdatanmatra. So vayu shows two qualities shabda and sparsha, and so on/ The properties of each mahabhuta in sequential formation are shown in table below.
No | Tanmatra | Mahabhuta | Guna |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Shabda | Akash | Shabda |
2 | Shabda + Sparsha | Vayu | Shabda, Sparsha |
3 | Shabda + Sparsha + Rupa | Agni | Shabda, Sparsha, Rupa |
4 | Shabda + Sparsha + Rupa + Rasa | Jala | Shabda, Sparsha, Rupa, Rasa |
5 | Shabda + Sparsha + Rupa + Rasa + Gandha | Pruthvi | Shabda, Sparsha, Rupa, Rasa, Gandha |
Vaisheshika theory of creation of mahabhuta
Contemporary theories
Tanmatra and quantum spins
John S. Hagelin, the physicist in his book ‘Is Consciousness the Unified Field? A Field Theorist's Perspective; (Maharishi International University Fairfield, Iowa) states the similarity between quantum mechanical spins and tanmatras.It is stated that ‘A very similar structure is observed within the framework of quantum field theory, where there are also five fundamental categories of quantum field or "spin types" consistent with relativistic causality and renormalizability, which are responsible for the entire material universe. These are the spin-2 graviton (responsible for space-time curvature and the force of gravity), the spin - 3/2 gravitino (appearing only in the context of a supersymmetric field theory), spin-1 force fields, spin -1/ 2 matter fields, and the spin-0 Higgs fields responsible for symmetry breaking.’ [19].
There appears to be a striking correspondence between the five tanmatras and these quantum-mechanical spin types: between the space tanmatra and the gravitational field; between the air tanmatra, which stands as a link between space and the other elements, and the gravitino field; between the fire tanmatra, responsible for chemical transformations and the sense of sight, and the spin-1 forces; and between the water and earth tanmatras and the spin-% and spin-0 matter fields, respectively.[20]
Tanmatra, paramanu and wave particle duality
In the book ‘Indian Physics outline of early History.’ it is stated that ‘The tanmatras are an abstract potential whereas bhutadi are the elementary atoms which is somewhat like the quantum wavefunction and material particles. Samkhya, where the observer is central, considers tanmatras to emerge first. On the other hand, Vaisheshika. with its focus on atoms and their combinations, does not speak of tanmatras although some of the gunas are like the tanmatras. In other words, we have something akin to the concept of wave-particle duality of quantum physics.[21]
Tanmatra and elementary particles
Modern science supports the proposition that five tanmatraare the progenitors of their visible counterparts by describingbasic formative particles (electron, proton and neutron- whichcould be the tanmatras) combining in different proportionsand forming atoms, elements and compounds.[22]
Significance
The study of tanmatra is important in order to understand our origin, as they are the connectors between subtle (avyakta) and gross (vyakta). Also, in order to describe the link between the sense organs and the elements, the Sankhyaschool developed the concept of tanmatra.The properties of elements are specified with particular qualities which share something in common.[23]
Tanmatra is an important concept to understand and build base for Ayurved biology.[24]
Application of tanmatra in health and prevention of diseases
Application of tanmatra in clinical practices
- Formation of foetus: Five elements and soul/conscious (atma) conjugates to form foetus.[Cha.Sa.ShariraSthana4/6]
- Prakriti nirmana:Panchabhautiki prakriti is formed. [Su. Sa. ShariraSthana4]
- Body elements and panchamahabhutas:
- Shabda(sound), sense of hearing, porous structures in the body are showing dominance of akasha mahabhuta. Touch, skin, pulsations, lightness, and all movements are due to vayumahabhuta. Vison, eyes, colour, temperature, digestion ,bravery are due to tejamahabhuta. Taste, tongue, coldness, unctuousness, semen and all liquid components of body show dominance of Jalamahabhuta. Sense of smell, nose, and all solid structures are due to prithvimahabhutadominance. [Su. Sa.ShariraSthana 1/19]
- Dosha with specific dominance of panchamahabhuta:
- Vata dosha: Vayu + Akash
- Pitta dosha: Teja
- Kapha dosha: Prithvi + Jala
- Digestive capacity (agni):
Bhutagni which are responsible for metabolism of the diet have dominance of relatedmahabhuta .[ Cha. Sa. ShariraSthana 15/13]
- Dravya and panchamahabhuta:
- Among six rasa (taste),each rasa is associated with 2 mahabhuta. [A.Hr. Sutra Sthana10/1]
- Sweet/Madhura: Prithvi + Jala
- Sour/Amla- Teja +Prithvi
- Salty/Lavan-Jala + Teja
- Bitter/Tikta- Akash + Vayu
- Pungent/ Katu- Agni + Vayu
- Astringent- Prithvi + Vayu
- Ahara, the foodis also panchabhautika. [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 46/ 526]
- All dravya are panchabhautika [A.Hr. Sutra Sthana9/5-10]
- Shodhanadravya(drugs used for elimination of dosha) have predominance of specific mahabhuta. The drugs useful for vamana( therapeuticemesis) have dominance of agni and vayumahabhuta. Virechana( therapeuticpurgation) dravyahave dominance of prithvi and jalamahabhuta. [Cha. Sa. KalpaSthana1/5]
- Among six rasa (taste),each rasa is associated with 2 mahabhuta. [A.Hr. Sutra Sthana10/1]
Future scope of research
References
- ↑ Gaudpadabhashya on ShriIshvarkrishnavirachitaSankhyakarika, Verse22 Chaukhamba Sanskrit SerieseOffice,Varanasi, 1953, P.20.
- ↑ Sir Monnier Williams, Sanskrit English Dictionary, Southern Publication, Madras, 1987, P. 434.
- ↑ Dalhan, NibandhSangraha commentary on SushrutSamhita,SharirSthana Chapter1,Verse 4,Chaukhamba Orientallia, Varanasi 1997,p. 339.
- ↑ Gaudpadabhashya on ShriIshvarkrishnavirachitaSankhyakarika,Verse22 Chaukhamba Sanskrit SerieseOffice,Varanasi, 1953. P.4,5.
- ↑ Chakrapani, Ayurved Dipika Vyakhya on CharakaSamhitaSharirSthan Chapter 1, verse 63, ChaukhambaSurbharati Publication, 1992, P.293.
- ↑ ShriIshvarkrishna ,Sankhyakarika, verse 38 Chaukhamba Sanskrit SerieseOffice,Varanasi, 1953. P.33.
- ↑ Dr.V.J. Thakar, AyurvediyaMaulik Siddhant, Gujrat Ayurved University, Jamnagar,1985 P.135.
- ↑ ShriIshvarkrishna ,Sankhyakarika verse 3 Chaukhamba Sanskrit SerieseOffice,Varanasi, 1953.P4.
- ↑ Dr.D.L. Chary, A Textbook of PadarthaVijnanaEvumAyurvedItihasa,Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratishthan,Delhi,2017, P.74.
- ↑ ShrimatsadanandYogeendra, Vedantsar, Verse 18, Chaukhambha Publishers, Varanasi,1998, P28
- ↑ Vd. A. Bhatkar, Padarthvidnyan, Rajni Publisher, Nagpur,2008, P. 44.
- ↑ Chakrapani, Ayurved Dipika Vyakhya on CharakaSamhitaSharirSthan, Chapter 1 verse 60 ChaukhambaSurbharati Publication, 1992, P.293.
- ↑ Gaudpadabhashya on ShriIshvarkrishnavirachitaSankhyakarika,Verse3 Chaukhamba Sanskrit SerieseOffice,Varanasi, 1953. P4.
- ↑ ShrimatsadanandYogeendra, Vedantsar, Verse 28, Chaukhambha Publishers, Varanasi.1998,P.36.
- ↑ Dr. V.J. Thakar, AyurvediyaMaulik Siddhant, Gujrat Ayurved University, Jamnagar,1985, P.136.
- ↑ Chakrapani, Ayurved Dipika Vyakhya on CharakaSamhitaSharirSthan 1 verse28 ChaukhambaSurbharati Publication, 1992, P.289.
- ↑ Dalhan ,NibandhSangrahacommentary on SushrutSamhita,Sharir Sthana,Chapter1,Verse 4,Chaukhamba Orientallia, Varanasi 1997,p 339.
- ↑ Subhash Kak, Indian Physics Outline of Early history, P.14. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.physics/0310001[Accessed on 15 Sept 2022.]
- ↑ https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.385.1265&rep=rep1&type=pdf [Accessed on 15 sep2022]
- ↑ ibid
- ↑ Subhash Kak, Indian Physics Outline of Early history, P.30. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.physics/0310001[Accessed on 15 sep2022]
- ↑ Sanjeev Rastogi, Building bridges between Ayurveda and Modern Science, Indian journal of Ayurveda Research, Jan-March2010, Vol.I, Issue I, p.43.
- ↑ R.K Mishra, Before the Beginning and after the Death, New Delhi,2000, P.299.
- ↑ Exploring Quantum Logic in Ayurveda with special reference to Srotovijnanaof Ayurveda, R.H.Singh Ayu Vol30 No.4 2009