Chapter-9, Verse 7

Ashtavakra Gita Verse 9.7

पश्य भूतविकारांस्त्वं भूतमात्रान् यथार्थतः। तत्क्षणाद्बन्धनिर्मुक्तः स्वरूपस्थो भविष्यसि॥७॥

7. Recognising the modifications of the elements as nothing in Reality, but the five elements themselves, you will at once be free from their bondage, and thus abide in your True Nature. 

The elements are the fundamental material with which the entire world of forms is built up. That which is made out of gold cannot be anything other than gold; similarly, all that is made out of five elements cannot be anything other than inert and insentient five elements, expressing in a particular given combination. 

The five elements of Nature also known as Pancha Bhoota/Bhuta or Pancha Tattvas. They are Earth (पृथ्वी), Water (अप:), Fire (अग्नि), Air (वायु) and Sky(आकाश). These elements also hold ayurvedic significance. Different Ayurvedic Doshas are based on the panchamahabhootas. Ayurveda is based on three doshas namely Vata, Pitta and, Kapha. Vata represents space and air; Pitta represents fire and water and; Kapha represents earth and water.

Earth

In the Yogic Texts including Sankhya, the five elements of nature or Pancha bhoota or Pancha tattva are elements of the body also. Our body is made up of Pancha tattvas. Earth is the base of everything so it is the first element in the Pancha bhoota. It represents proper position/posture or the asanas for the practice of Yoga.

Water

Water is the second element in the Pancha Tattvas. It represents the flow of our emotions and desires. Controlling the element water within the body would give one the ability to control emotions and desires. Water is also the essence of life, lord Narayana is seen resting on the snake of infinity on the cosmic waters.

Fire

Fire is the third Maha Bhuta. In Rig Veda Agni is said to be the messenger of Devtas. Whatever is being sacrificed in the fire reaches Devtas. In Yogic Meaning, Agni is the essence of Manipura Chakra. It helps in the proper supply of food after burning to different parts of the body. Control over Agni within one gives perfect health.

Air

The fourth element of the five elements of nature is Air. It is the essence of whole Yoga. Our breath is governed by this Maha bhuta. Air in the Pancha Bhoota or Pancha Tattva is all about having balance and power at the same time. One who controls the Air element can reach to subconscious mind consciously and can solve all the mysteries of the world.

Sky

The sky is the largest element in nature as well as the body. The human body has more space than water. It is all about our true existence. One who understands the sky element gets access to the hidden dimensions of the soul and supreme soul.

Pancha bhoota Mantra:

Tasmadva etasmadatmana akash sambhutah | Akasadvayuh | Vayoragnih | Agnerapah |Adbhyah prithvi | Prithivya osadhayah | Osadhibhyosnam |Annat purusah || (Shloka from Yajur Veda)

Meaning: From that atman arises the Akasha, From the Akasha arose the wind, from wind fire came into existence, from fire came the water, from water, the earth, from earth came the plants, from plants we got the food, from food came human beings.

Taking the objects of the world as something real, our mind comes to entertain a desire to acquire, to possess and to enjoy. Thus we create a world of struggles, riddled with stress and strains. Once we realise that the entire perceived world is a play of inert and insentient elements, there is an immediate sense of disenchantment, as all our likes and dislikes shall, then instantaneously disappear from our hearts.

When the mind is thus quiet, in that tranquil bosom, the pure Consciousness, undisturbed by thoughts, can be apprehended.