NgalSo Self Healing

the Five Elements and their relationships in the macrocosm and the microcosm

the five elements in relation to the macrocosm
the five elements in relation to the microcosm

 

 

the five elements in relation to the macrocosm

According to Kalachakra Tantra, the universe (macrocosm) and all individual living beings (microcosm) are composed of the same consitutional elements, which are organised in the same order, thus permitting us to establish a similitude between man and universe. Man's body and mind are a small universe which exactly mirrors the external universe. In other words, they replicate or reflect the universe, exactly like a miniature universe.

This means that each microcosm (including mankind) is subject to the same laws as the macrocosm and is made of the same elements and energies. These physical energies, dynamic forces, form all the physical, material phenomena in both the macrocosm and the microcosm. Matter is the name given to the form that energy takes, that is, mechanical, chemical, electrical and organic phenomena which produce the appearance and disappearance of objects composed of atoms. The material world, that is, matter which manifests in objects of the senses, appears in 4 different states of aggregation, each with their own properties, called elements (mahabhuta). So the base material of all existing physical objects and living or inanimate phenomena is composed of 4 elements, conventionally named "earth, water, fire and air". These names are not to be taken in a literal sense, rather they symbolise the qualities of matter (which is energy): the names earth, water, fire and air, mean expanse, cohesion, heat and movement. These are the characteristics which identify and qualify energy.

EARTH
is the element which manifests through its static qualities of resistance, stability, hardness or repulsion, i.e. as a solid mass (that gives extension to objects) and as inertia or gravity. This energetic function determines the quality of the mass. In a physical sense, the earth is solid, stable and safe; it is the basis on which we can act and build.

WATER
is the element which manifests through its qualities of cohesion or attraction, like viscosity and fluidity. In a physical sense, water allows movement, unlike earth. It can flow and run, adhering to surfaces with a more precise and complete contact than earth.

FIRE
is the element which manifests through its quality of heat, as radiating heat or radioactivity. It is the quality of thermic energy or temperature in its aspects of cold and heat.

AIR
is the element which manifests through the dynamic quality of movement, vibration, fluctuation, rhythm; therefore, change and transformation, as lightness and gas. It is not simply movement of the air or an object through space, but rather continuous adaptation between opposing forces of expanse which repulses and cohesion which attracts. In the macrocosm, it is the rhythm of the universe in which creation and destruction follow one another periodically, just like inhaling and exhaling in the human body.

SPACE
is used in the sense of element together with the other 4 essential qualities, but it remains distinctly separate from them, as space is distinct from air. Indeed, space is the absence of the 4 preceding factors; it is non-obstruction, which allows them to exist and function. Space is the element in which movement takes place (that makes movement possible) and objects become visible (they take expanse and body shape). It is omni-pervading because it comprises all (in this sense, it is the three-dimensional space of our sensorial perception) and all possibilities of movement, not only physically but also spiritually; indeed, the nature of space is emptiness and contains and embraces everything. Nothing can exist without space; it is the pre-condition for everything that exists in material or immaterial form. Its philosophical and metaphysical equivalent is Emptiness (Shunyata); its psychological equivalent is the Mind.

So the elements are not be seen as fundamental substances of chemistry that resist deeper analysis, but rather as fundamental principles of essential characteristics. The elements are the primary inherent qualities which are present in every material object; that is, essential primary physical factors (not simply essence or abstract ideas). The elements always manifest together and in the same proportions: there is as much heat element in a burning flame as in wood or water, and vice-versa. The difference is only in its intensity. The existence of cohesion (the "water" element) in a flame is proved by its maintaining shape; the presence of repulsion (the "earth" element) in water is proved by the fact that it holds up a boat.

In the universe, each element has its own special relationships.
The most important relationships to be noted are those with colours, with forms, with directions, with the seasons and parts of the day.

EARTH
In an outer sense, earth is present in our planet and others, in the mountains, rocks, soil, in crystals, jewels, metals, minerals, in asteroids, meteorites and particles of cosmic dust.

Colour: yellow
In its positive aspect, it manifests as the the colour of gold, amber and midday sun, in maize, honey and butter, a colour symbolising earth, fertility in the sense of abundance and riches. In its negative aspect, it manifests as the colour of yellowing paper, dead leaves and ageing skin, sickness (decay) and putrefaction (death).

Form:
Cube or square
It is the compact solid square form that makes it ungainly: its borders are well-defined, it is a very rigid form without any softness or compromise. Earth limits and prevents movement, it is static and rigid, connected to the force of gravity: psychologically, a suffocating inertia that seems to negate possibilities. However, despite it being dark and limiting, earth is the basis for growth: from the earth plants open and grow (thanks to the union with the water element).

Direction: South
The most hospitable luxuriant region, where the sun is warmest and bright.

Season: Autumn
The period of harvesting when trees are full of fruit and bushes swollen with berries, but even if fruit and vegatables are not gathered, their wealth enriches the earth in the process of rotting, making it more fertile.

Moment: mid-morning
Rich in promise and possibilities (the sun rising in the sky will make fruit and vegetables mature).

WATER
In an outer sense, water is present in the oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, springs and geysers.

Colour: White
In a positive sense, it is the colour of purity and no distinction that characterises an omni-pervasive mind: it is the sum of all colours, but, in a negative sense, for this reason is it the negation of colour.

Form:
Sphere (or circle)
It is the form that water takes when it is free from the earth's gravity (symbolised by the cube). When the cube evolves and expands, its borders fade: the straight sharp lines curve and the corners fuse into a homogeneous surface; that is, the cube softens into a sphere. Its nature is viscosity and adherence; but it is also the basis for growth, because gems blossom into flowers thanks to water, which originates the flow of life (represented by sap in plants and blood in man and animals).

Direction: East
The cardinal point where the sun rises, flooded by the cold serene light of dawn.

Season: Winter
In which the white of snow and ice prevail and the air is crystaline.

Moment: Dawn
At that moment, the sky is lit by white light.

FIRE
In an outer sense, fire is present in volcanoes, in the magma nucleus of the Earth, in the sun and stars, in the aurora borealis, in nuclear fusion, coal, gas, petroleum.

Colour: Red
It is the colour of the setting sun, and also blood, the vibrant, vigorous aspects of life, passion that burns the heart.

Form:
Cone (or triangle)
The fire flame bursts upwards from a base, gradually thinning towards the tip. Fire is an upward moving energy at the expense of everything around it: it burns nearby objects indiscriminately and constantly needs fuelling. It is luminous, vivacious and dynamic, but also destructive: its tongues must consume the elements below it in order to rise. So, in this sense, it is limited: its peak depends on the base (when the fuel ends, the fire goes out). Although fire is a destructive energy, through its action, crops matures in the sun.

Direction: West
The cardinal point where the sun sets with the magnificent spectacle of red lights.

Season: Spring
The fresh, vital season when the trees are covered in gems and nature prepares to grow: the vigorous aspect of life.

Moment: Sunset
The phenomenon manifests in the western direction.

 

AIR
In an outer sense, ais is present in the wind, hurricanes, tornadoes, storms and tempests.

Colour: Green
In a physical sense, it is the colour that evokes the energy of plant growth, so it is the symbol of action, activity. In a psychological sense, it the colour of envy and jealousy (negative aspect), but it is also the result of a combination of the inner sun of Enlightenment with the blue of deep space and the universe (positive aspect).

Form:
Semi-sphere (or half-moon)
The half-moon, compared to the full moon, indicates something unfinished, leading to a state of completeness. Psychologically, it represents a situation that is not yet completely enlightened, remaining in the sphere of duality, depicted by the half-moon's two horns. We do not remain still, rather we move from one aspect to another, from the positive to the negative and vice-versa.

Direction: North
The cardinal point where the elements interact most strongly (e.g., the north wind is the strongest).

Season: Summer
The period of the year in which life is vital, nothing is static or calm: the ants work, bees buzz around, storms break out.

Moment: Moonrise (or the first hours of the night)
In this period nature is very dynamic: the birds return to the trees, grasshoppers sing etc.

 

SPACE
In an outer sense, space is present in the sky, in caves, in valleys and plains, in the hole in the ozone layer.

Colour: Blue
It represents the cold spacious quality of the sky, sideral deepness of a clear sky that extends infinitely and embraces every celestial body.

Form:
Thig-le with nada, that is, a flaming point (or circle)
It rises from the mystical union of sun and moon discs: in fact, space is a circle without a centre or edge and it is the absolute source, with no beginning or end, of every phenomena. The circle is a form that represents transcending every position and direction, of time and space.

Direction: Centre
It is not associated to a cardinal point, because it comprises all directions and none in particular. Fundamental coordination is found in the centre. From a central, originating position, all (peripheral and successive) others arise. From a psychological point of view, all mental defects arise from ignorance. Conceptual dichotomies act on the initial light of pure consciousness, the Dhyani Buddhas come from the Adhibuddha.

Season: None
There is only time, continuity, because the phenomenon of time passing rises from the continuity of "now": the perpetual experience of space (which is infinite, unlimited, without origin and unconditioned).

Moment: None
None, because it is eternity (or eternal present).

 

continues: the Five Elements and in relation to the microcosm

From the text "Commentary on Lama Gangchen Rinpoche's Tantric Self Healing" by Aldo Franzoni.