Five Elements of Vastu Shastra
The human body is made up of Panch Mahabhoot Tattvas or Five Elements – Fire, Water, Air, Space, and Earth. It is essential that these elements exist in harmony, both within and outside the body, so that we have a healthy body, a healthy mind as well as a peaceful environment.
Vastu as has been defined to be the science of direction is a combination of five elements from nature and cosmos that helps in maintaining the balance between man and material. Science has unified the five elements to convey their impact on our lives as a whole. The elements are:
- Earth
- Fire
- Water
- Air
- Space
If these elements are put to correct use they can bring prosperity, happiness, and peace to the life of the person.
The Element of Earth
Earth is the third planet as per the solar system and thus acts as a big magnet consisting of both the north and the South Pole attracting the energies at a single point. The gravitational force and the magnetic field acting on earth impact everything, including living and non-living both. Earth is tilted by about 23 ½ at meridian on either of the sides for six months known as dakshinayan and uttarayan. As it rotates on its own axis from west to east it causes day and night.
Earth is the only element out of the five that is linked with the five senses of sound, touch, taste, smell, and sight and thus have maximum influence on our lives. It is responsible for the firm nature, practicality, adaptability, and methodical approach of the human. Prudence and tact come out of balanced earth element and proud and obstinate nature is due to excess earth element. The earth element is defined to be the magnetic field of the globe. The main characteristic of this element is sound, touch, form, taste, and quality.
The Element of Space
Space is the unending region remote from the earth, where the whole galaxy exists. The effective forces are heat, light, waves, gravitational force, and magnetic field.
Space is limitless and it is related to our sense of hearing. In the structure, the space element is related to the center portion. It is a vital source of cosmic energy and cosmic radiation. The element means cosmic energy and thus it is important that brahmasthana is kept clean, open, and in light.
The Element of Air
As per the studies conducted, the atmosphere of the earth is about 400Kms deep and contains 21 percent oxygen, 79 percent nitrogen, helium, carbon dioxide and other kinds of gases, humidity, dust particles, and vapor. Everyone is dependent on air to survive.
Our sense of sound, feel and touch widely relates to air. Air is a combination of many gases, where oxygen is for human beings and nitrogen supports plant lives which are responsible for generating oxygen.
Air is a representative of amiable, cheerful, neat, gentle, perspective, and courteous human. Music, balance, art, expansion, and extension are all characteristics of air. If the element is imbalanced it may affect the kidney, lungs and lead to heart disorders. It had been defined that none of the body parts should be treated with iron when the controlling sign of the person is in the influence of the moon. When the moon is in Taurus and tonsil operation is carried out, it leads to an increase in the air element and thus steams the rise of the water element.
The Element of Fire
Fire relates to lightning, energy, volcanic energy, seasons, and other related aspects of the solar system. The fire also symbolizes passion, enthusiasm and spirited vigor. The Sun is the most vital source of light, is the soul of the universe. Day and night on earth are the results of the movement of the Sun in regards to the movement of the earth.
The fire element is mainly related to the sense of touch, sound, and sight. It would not have been possible to have life on earth without the sun. An increase in fire element results in a love with rashness and power. Fire element defines solar radiation and is influenced by sound, touch, and form.
The Element of Water
Water is representative of rivers, rain, and the sea and exists in form of liquid, ice, and steam. Water is a combination of hydrogen and oxygen in two is to one ratio and is perfectly neutral in reaction. On this planet, earth water is present only in a certain proportion. Water is linked to the sense of touch, taste, hearing, and sight. Two-thirds of the earth is covered with water and people under influence of water are likely to have varied emotions that include sociable nature, love of novelty, fondness of home life, fanciful attitude, imagination, and flexibility.
Such people under the influence of water are also defined to be lazy, slow, harmless, inoffensive, and careless. If there is an imbalance in the element it leads to piles, cough, and damp feet. The water element means gravitational attraction and indicates an excess water element. The main characteristics are sound, form, touch, and taste.