Akasha

The word Akasha literally means ‘a free or open space’ or ‘the ether’, ‘sky’ or ‘atmosphere’. 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.

Etymology and derivation

The word akasha is derived from Kashru-deptau dhatu, meaning ‘that spreads all over’.

Synonyms

Nabha, gagana, vyoma, nakshatra loka, divyaloka, viyat, antariksha and kha

Contextual meanings

The term Akasha denotes mainly the following meanings

1. Akasha mahabhuta
2. Sky
3. 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.’

Numerology of Akasha

Akasha is eka (unique) (tarkasangraha). 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 Sthana04/12). 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 vatadosha is constituted from vayu and akasha mahabhuta. In vata prakriti individual, the dominance of properties of akasha mahabhuta are observed.
• Similarly, in conditions of vatadosha 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 kaphadosha 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.

More information

• Vatakalakaliya Adhyaya * Katidhapurusha Sharira * Indriyopakramaniya Adhyaya