(Pancha Maha Bhutas)
According to Ayurveda, everything in the universe – living or non-living – is made up of the five cosmic elements. The five elements of ether, air, water, fire and earth are the building blocks of all material existence. Respectively, they are related to the five senses of sound, touch, sight, taste and smell.
Ether (Akash) is expansion in all directions with no resistance. Ether is related to the sense of sound. Whenever there is sound, ether is present.
Air (Vayu) creates unidirectional movement. Air is an important aspect of everything in life as it deals with all the movements or rhythms of life. Air is associated with the sense of touch. You feel touch through constant movement.
Fire (Tejas) creates transformation, warmth, reality and a sense of clarity. This is the required element of the sense of sight.
Water (Jala) Water shows its presence as liquidity, a solvent making up 70% of the body. Water is associated with the sense of taste. The tongue is the only sense organ that is wet.
Earth (Prithvi) is about solidity, structure, and security. It creates a specific appearance, shape and size. The earth element is responsible for expressing the sense of smell. Earth always gives off a smell, i.e. rain on dry earth.
The three mind/body types or constitutions of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha come from the Five Elements, as follows:
Vata is a combination of either and air – rhythmic intelligent movement.
Pitta is a combination of fire and water – the ability to receive and transform.
Kapha is a combination of earth and water – cohesiveness, grounding and rejuvenation.