Five Elements – In Gita Verse 3.14 All living bodies subsist on food grains, which are produced from rains. Rains are produced by performance of yajña [sacrifice], and yajña is born of prescribed duties.
Bhagavad Gita Verse 3.14 states that all living beings subsist on food grains, which are produced from rains. Rains are produced by the performance of yajña (sacrifice), and yajña is born of prescribed duties. To fully comprehend this verse, it is necessary to consider certain foundational concepts.
A fundamental difference exists between the perspectives of the East and the West. In contemporary times, the global influence of Western thought, including in the East, has made understanding this sutra challenging. The Eastern worldview has traditionally seen nature and humanity as allies, not adversaries. Nature is revered as a nurturing mother, and the earth and sky are seen as parental figures. This is not merely poetic expression but a holistic vision that views life as a unified family. Consequently, the East has never sought to conquer nature. In contrast, the Western perspective often views nature and humanity as fundamentally opposed, advocating for the conquest of nature.
When Krishna states that man is made from food, it may initially seem like a materialistic assertion, especially coming from a spiritual figure. The Western viewpoint might interpret this as reductionist materialism, suggesting that humans are merely a product of physical elements like food and drink. However, the Eastern perspective, as espoused by Krishna, posits that everything, including food, is divine. Food is not merely matter; it is imbued with life.
Krishna emphasises that food, which sustains human life, originates from rain. Without rain, there is no food. This establishes a profound connection between life and nature. He further asserts that rain is a result of yajña. A scientist might dismiss this as nonsensical, arguing that rain comes from clouds formed through natural processes involving bodies of water. However, Krishna’s point is that there is a spiritual connection between humanity and the natural elements, including rain.
When Krishna says that rain comes from yajña, he implies that our actions and spiritual practices influence natural phenomena. Rain fulfils our needs and desires, responding to our prayers. This suggests a reciprocal relationship between nature and humanity. While Western thought often views nature as indifferent to human existence, this perspective is not supported by scientific discoveries. For instance, it is observed that the birth ratio of male to female children changes after wars, with more males being born. This phenomenon suggests an intrinsic connection between human activities and natural processes.
Krishna’s assertion that man is made from food implies that there is no fundamental distinction between matter and consciousness. Matter is imbued with latent life, which manifests within us. Food, derived from rain, becomes part of our physical and spiritual being. This interconnectedness extends to our actions, which influence natural phenomena through yajña.
Yajña, in this context, refers to the performance of good deeds and living in surrender to the divine. When individuals live righteously, nature supports them, providing rain, fruitful trees, flowing rivers, and overall well-being. Conversely, when individuals act with ego and disregard for the divine, life becomes distorted.
Yajña signifies a life dedicated to the divine, fostering harmony that prompts nature to support human existence. This concept is echoed in Ayurveda, which emphasises gratitude towards the five elements: space (Ether), earth, water, air, and fire. These elements are essential for life and are revered for their contributions to our well-being.
Ayurveda, rooted in the meditative insights of ancient sages, teaches that the five elements are manifestations of cosmic energy. The sages perceived that the world originated from an unmanifested state of consciousness, which then transformed into the five elements. These elements are present in all matter and are integral to the human body.
The human body, as a microcosm of nature, contains these five elements. Ayurveda views the body and its sensory experiences as expressions of cosmic energy. The goal is to harmonise the body with this cosmic consciousness.
Krishna’s teachings emphasise the importance of recognising and living in harmony with these five elements. By doing so, individuals can experience the divine energy that permeates all matter. Living from this perspective fosters a deeper understanding of our connection to the universe and the divine.
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