The Science of the Elements

The Earth Element Pārthiva Tattva|The element representing solidity, stability, and the physical body is yellow in color, square in shape, and resides in the center. Its flow extends sixteen finger-breadths original: "ṣoḍaśāṅgulaṃ"; a traditional measurement of breath length from the nose. [36]

Within the body, the Earth element manifests in five ways: bone, flesh, skin, nerves, and hair. This is what has been declared through the Knowledge of the Absolute original: "Brahma-jñāna"; supreme spiritual realization. [36 continued]

The Water Element Vāruṇa Tattva|The element representing fluidity, cool nature, and cohesion is white and round (crescent-shaped); it flows downward. Its flow extends twelve finger-breadths original: "dvādaśāṅgulaṃ". [37]

Semen, blood, marrow, fat, and sweat are the fivefold qualities of Water, as spoken in the Knowledge of the Absolute. [38]

The Fire Element Taijasa Tattva|The element representing heat, transformation, and light is red and triangular; it always flows upward. Its flow is known to be eight finger-breadths original: "aṣṭāṅgulaṃ" long. [39]

Sleep, hunger, thirst, desire, and lethargy are the fivefold qualities of Fire, as spoken in the Knowledge of the Absolute. [40]

The Air Element Vāyu Tattva|The element representing movement, pressure, and expansion is blue and spherical original: "nīla mabhai"; like a dark cloud or smokey blue. It moves transversely (sideways) and its flow is four finger-breadths original: "caturāṅguli". [41]

Running, walking, stopping, contraction, and expansion are the fivefold qualities of Air, as spoken in the Knowledge of the Absolute. [42]

The Space Element Nābhasa Tattva|Also known as Akasha; the element of void, sound, and the container of all other elements is colorless and takes the form of the flow itself. It is the knower of all, bestowing liberation original: "mokṣadaṃ". It is effective for successful works and... The text concludes mid-sentence regarding the specific functions of the Space element