Prakruthiya paata - Part 2

The Five Elements

The five elements of nature, known as the Panchabhutas, are the basic building blocks of the entire creation. They are space/ether, wind, fire, water, earth. They are called Aakasha, Vayu, Agni, Aapa, Prithvi in Sanskrit.

The avadhuta mentions these five elements as his first teachers.

The first five teachers

The earth was the first teacher, followed by wind, sky, water and fire, in that order.

The earth: Considered as ‘Mother’ in most cultures, the earth offers its all to everybody who dwells on it. Buried minerals, metals, fossil fuels, and the capacity to convert seeds and grains to food and medicine, are the earth’s wealth. The earth derives no benefit from any of these. It is a mere custodian, willingly offering them to whosoever mines, digs, tills and ploughs.
I learnt from the earth that whatever I have been endowed with, is neither owned by me nor for my exclusive use, but is meant to be selflessly shared/ given to others, said the avadhuta.

The wind: Wind is forever in motion, blowing across all terrains and surfaces. The fragrance or the stench it carries when it blows over a garden or garbage dump is not its attribute. The wind is indifferent to its surroundings, experiencing neither delight nor distress.
I learnt from the wind that anything I experience, is neither inherently delightful nor dreadful, but is meant to be accepted as it is (not as it ‘should be’), said the avadhuta.*

The sky: The sky represents openness and vastness. Aakasha (space) provides avakaasha (opportunity) for growth, development, for life itself! It remains the same through sunshine, darkness, storms, clouds, thunder, lightning...
I learnt that I can remain constant and unaffected, like the sky, whatever physical/ mental changes occur, said the avadhuta.

Water: Water is the source of life and of joy. A parched mouth experiences no greater joy than when given water. No beverage can provide the satisfaction that water does. Water is attributed with cleansing/healing powers. A dip in the river or a shower in the bathroom, provides relaxation, mental alertness and physical cleanliness. Water by itself is transparent and pure. Water has the wonderful capacity to blend (solubles) and bind (flour to dough).
I learnt that I could be a positive influence, like water, binding and purifying; offering sweetness to whoever I come in contact with, said the avadhuta.

Fire: Fire plays a significant role in both material and spiritual life. The food we cook and the fire-rituals performed as part of worship make use of fire. Fire remains unsullied irrespective of what it burns. Its brilliance generates warmth and dispels darkness.
I too should be a light to others, capable of absorbing/ digesting whatever I am dealt with, just like the mighty fire. And I should develop a fire-like presence which ensures that people maintain their distance and I am left untouched by others said the avadhuta.