Hour 4 Ayurveda

Pancha Tanmatra

hour 04 Online Yoga Life

  1. After understanding the gross elements (Panchamahabhutas), it’s important to explore their subtle counterparts—the Panchatanmatras.
  2. The term Tanmatra in Sanskrit refers to “subtle elements”, and hence Panchatanmatras signifies the five subtle elements.
  3. These are Shabda (Sound), Sparsha (Touch), Rupa (Vision), Rasa (Taste), and Gandha (Smell).
  4. The Panchatanmatras are considered the subtle forms or precursors of the Panchamahabhutas and are responsible for the sensory experiences that arise from these elements.
Relationship Between Panchamahabhutas and Panchatanmatras

Each Panchamahabhuta is inherently linked to a specific Tanmatra, representing the connection between the physical elements and the sensory experiences

Akasha Mahabhuta (Space Element) and Shabda Tanmatra (Sound):
  1.  
  • Shabda or Sound is the subtle element associated with Akasha (Space). Sound travels through space, making it the direct manifestation of the Akasha Mahabhuta.
  • In the human body, ears are the sensory organs related to Akasha and are responsible for perceiving sound.
Vayu Mahabhuta (Air Element) and Sparsha Tanmatra (Touch):
  • Sparsha or Touch is the subtle element linked to Vayu (Air). The air element is associated with movement and sensation, making it the basis for tactile perception.
  • The skin serves as the organ of touch and connects us to the Vayu Mahabhuta through the sensation of touch and movement.
Agni Mahabhuta (Fire Element) and Rupa Tanmatra (Vision):
  • Rupa or Vision corresponds to Agni (Fire). The fire element governs light and form, which allows visual perception.
  • The eyes are the sensory organs linked to Agni, enabling us to see different colors, shapes, and forms.
Jala Mahabhuta (Water Element) and Rasa Tanmatra (Taste):
  • Rasa or Taste is the subtle element related to Jala (Water). Water is necessary for perceiving taste through saliva, which dissolves food particles, allowing us to experience various flavors.
  • The tongue is the sensory organ associated with Jala, helping us discern sweet, salty, sour, and other tastes.
Prithvi Mahabhuta (Earth Element) and Gandha Tanmatra (Smell):
  • Gandha or Smell is the subtle element linked to Prithvi (Earth). The earth element has distinct aromas, such as the smell of soil or flowers, making it the basis of olfactory perception.
  • The nose is the sensory organ related to Prithvi, allowing us to detect various scents and odors.
Tanmatras in the Human Body

Each Tanmatra corresponds to a particular sensory organ and Mahabhuta, establishing a bridge between the subtle and gross aspects of our existence. The presence and balance of these subtle elements influence not only our sensory experiences but also our mental and emotional states. Let’s see the correlation between Mahabhutas, Tanmatras, and sensory organs:

  • Akasha Mahabhuta (Space): Linked to Shabda Tanmatra (Sound) and perceived through the ears.
  • Vayu Mahabhuta (Air): Linked to Sparsha Tanmatra (Touch) and felt through the skin.
  • Agni Mahabhuta (Fire): Linked to Rupa Tanmatra (Vision) and seen through the eyes.
  • Jala Mahabhuta (Water): Linked to Rasa Tanmatra (Taste) and tasted through the tongue.
  • Prithvi Mahabhuta (Earth): Linked to Gandha Tanmatra (Smell) and sensed through the nose.
Summarization
  • Panchatanmatra – Shabda (sound), Sparsha (touch), Rupa (Form), Rasa (Taste), Gandha (Smell).
  • The Panchatanmatras serve as the foundation for all sensory experiences, linking the material world (Panchamahabhutas) to our body and mind.
  • A balanced state of Panchamahabhutas and their respective Tanmatras ensures harmony and health, while an imbalance of these elements leads to disharmony and diseases.
  • Their balance or imbalance reflects in our physical, mental, and sensory health.
  • Awareness of these subtle forces helps us understand how external stimuli influence our internal states.
  • Understanding the Panchatanmatras allows us to bridge the subtle energies of nature with our sensory organs, offering a holistic approach to wellness through sensory harmony.