Panchamahabhutas concept - utility in therapy

Dr LAKSHMIPRASAD

MD (AYU)

Bhagavan Sushruta compared the science with a bird, the bird has two wings, and if either of them is cut off it can’t fly. The science also has got two wings. They are fundamental concepts, on the substratum of which science is based. The second wing is the practical application of these fundamental concepts in routine life. If any one of them is cut off the science can’t develop, hence better application of concepts in the practical field always depends upon the knowledge of fundamental concepts. Therefore Sushruta further supplements that, to know only the words of the science without knowing their precise meaning is just as silly as a donkey carrying a big load of sandal wood without knowing any thing about the fragrance.

In the same way there are lacunae in understanding the Pancha maha bhuta concepts with respect to the treatment. There are concepts like Tri Dosha, Lokapurusha Samya, Samanya Vishisha siddanta, concepts of Dravya Guna & so on. These are well documented & narrated, unfortunately Pancha maha bhuta siddanta is either ill understood or misunderstood. There were efforts to know about Pancha maha bhuta from the current perspective of physics domain. It needs a special insight to know Pancha maha bhuta, Ayurvedic principles in the light of Veda, AranyakaUpanishat &

Braahmana upanishat

“Truth & Science are one; there can be no competition between truth & truth, but only between Truth & error.” Therefore the time has come now to through over partition between Science & Philosophy. In the present paper we are trying to deal about the concepts of Pancha maha bhuta putting onus on treatment aspect.

Global warming phenomenon raised questions about impact of such things on environment. This squarely refers to Pancha maha bhuta present also. Such a type of environmental insult was observed by Caraka/Agnivesha way back in 600 BC. In caraka vimana 3/25^TH shloka, - by the passage of time every time zone (Yuga) decline its Dharma at a ratio of 25% & so as the qualities of Pancha maha bhuta’s , & we are in Kali Yuga so we impart last 25% of the creation. A scientific truth of environmental decay documented by Caraka. Hence it is the right time to think about Pancha maha bhuta , impact on environment & its utility in treatment.

Pancha maha bhuta’s are Prithvi, Ap, Teja, Vayu, & Akasha. Right from Rgveda we are having the references about Maha bhuta’s. Rgveda has most references than any other Veda’s.

According to Vedic views- from Upadana or Nimitta karana i.e. from Brahma-Akasha was derived, from Akasha – Vayu, Agni, Ap, Pruthvi developed respectively

.

According to Saankhya views- From Avyakta /Mula prakriti Mahaan & Ahamkara developed. From Tamasa ahamkara Pancha tanmaatra, & from Pancha Tanmatra Pancha Maha bhuta are developed.

Ayurveda views the development of Pancha maha bhuta in an almost similar way; this may be understood at 3 levels

1. Tanmaatra

2. Mahabhuta

3. Paanchabhutika

The Tridosha, Saptadhatu, Upadhatu, 5 types of Vata, Indriya, characteristics of Prakriti, Rutu, Guru Etc 20 gunaa’s characteristics of Bhumi, 6 Rasa, Virya Vipaaka, Yuktivyapaashraya chikitsa, Dosha shamana, & Doshaprakopa concepts all may be described under the heading of Pancha maha bhuta concepts.

For eg:

Vata dosha ----- Vayu + Akasha

Prana vata ----- Aditya (?)

Rasa dhatu ----- Ap maha bhuta

Purisha mala ----- Pruthvi

Sparshanendriya ----- Vaayu

Pitta Prakruti ----- Agni

Hemanta rutu ----- Pruthvi + Ap

Guru guna ----- Pruthvi + Ap

Madhura rasa ----- Pruthvi + Ap

Shita virya ----- Pruthvi + Ap

Madura vipaaka ----- Pruthvi + Ap

For Vaata Kopana ----- Akasha + Vaayu

Vaata shamana ----- Pruthvi + Ap + Agni

From Veda’s to Ayurveda following points may be summarized about Pancha maha bhuta & its therapeutic utility.

1. Maha bhuta’s are prayed for desire of welfare with respect to human body.

2. The Mahabhuta’s are begged to protect from diseases coming from all directions from extremities of world.

3. Whole universe being Pancha bhutika every thing in it can be used as medicines.

4. Diseases are catogarised on Pruthvi Akasha etc Tatvaa’s.

5. Medicines are also grouped as Pruthvi Akasha etc Tatvaa’s.

6. Some diseases are described in terms of imbalance in Maha bhuta,

eg – Udara – Ap & agni.

7. Some treatments are also described on the basis of Maha bhuta.

Eg- Raajayakshma- Ap & Agni.

In the coming colloquium a detailed presentation pertaining to the Pancha mahabhuta (Origin, description ), their utility in Diagnosis & Treatment will be described in detail.