| Line 1: |
Line 1: |
| − | | + | #REDIRECT [[Akasha mahabhuta]] |
| − | 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]]
| |