The first element of Ayurveda is ether. Having a better understanding of the five elements of ayurveda can help you understand Ayurveda and your world better.
The First of the Five Elements of Ayurveda – ETHER
Ether is called “akasha” in Sanskrit; it is the space element, the first and most subtle of all five, and the element that gives rise to all the other elements. It is the substance out of which Air, Fire, Water, and Earth springs.
The element of Ayurveda – Ether has different qualities compared to the other elements of Ayurveda.
The qualities of the Element of Ether
- It is omnipresent and everywhere.
- It is limitless and never-ending.
- It has no form, no beginning, and no end.
- It has no boundaries and is always expanding.
- It is the basis of all the other elements and is part of all of them.
- It is in every aspect of Creation.
- It is the void in which the Universe appears to exist.
The Element of Ether and the Mind
The mind, which is thought, is composed of Ether. Ether is the void space in which thoughts and emotions pass through similar to the clouds roaming through the sky.
The human mind tends to become easily disturbed. A peaceful mind is a manifestation of the element of ether. A peaceful state of mind is called a Sattvic mind in Ayurveda.
To learn how to create more Sattva in your life click here.
The Element of Ether and the Physical Body
The hollow and empty spaces in the body, such as the intestines, blood vessels, lungs, and bladder, are associated with the Ether element, particularly the ears and mouth.
The ear is the sense organ associated with the Ether element, and the mouth (the voice) is the organ of action, for sound and Ether are considered the same.
The Element of Ether and Taste
Ether in itself has no taste, yet the taste of bitter is the taste that contains the most element of Ether. Bitter is made up of Air and Ether. Therefore, when Ether is out of balance, eating or drinking something bitter will increase the Ether element and restore balance within the body.
Sources of the Taste of Bitter:
- Coffee
- Most teas
- Cacao
- Tumeric
- Dill
- Brussels sprouts
- Collard greens
- Raw kale
- Egplant
- Zucchini
The Season of the Element of Ether is Winter
Ether’s season is winter when there is usually less sunlight, and the trees aren’t producing much food in order to conserve their energy.
The Element of Ether and the Dosha
The Vata dosha contains the element of Ether and Air. One way of balancing the Vata dosha is through preventing too much of an increase or decrease of the Ether element.
We can do this by transcending the emptiness in our lives with a feeling of fulfillment. Fulfillment comes from nourishing the body, mind, and spirit. Proper nourishment is the key to balance Ether and the Vata dosha.
You can nourish your body, mind, and spirit with a nutritious and satisfying diet, an alert and reflective mind, and a loving and compassionate heart.
To learn more about Ayurveda please refer to An Introduction to Ayurveda and Ayurveda Lifestyle and Daily Routines.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- Introduction to the Five Elements of Ayurveda
- The Second of the Five Elements of Ayurveda – AIR
- The Third of the Five Elements of Ayurveda – FIRE
- The Fourth of the Five Elements of Ayurveda – WATER
- The Fifth of the Five Elements of Ayurveda – EARTH
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