We know that space is infinite and encompasses the entire universe—the innumerable galaxies, the stars therein, their atmospheres, and other attributes are all objects of the infinite and unimaginable space. Viewed from this perspective, our Earth is a tiny speck within this vast, boundless expanse.
In Hinduism, the five elements, known as Pancha Mahabhuta (पंच महाभूत), are considered the fundamental building blocks of nature. They are:
- Akasha (आकाश or अम्बर) – Ether/Space: Represents vastness, sound, and the unmanifest potential. It is the subtlest of all elements and provides space for everything to exist.
- Vayu (वायु) – Air: Represents movement, breath, and life force (prana). It governs motion, flexibility, and thought.
- Agni (अग्नि) – Fire: Represents transformation, heat, and energy. It is associated with digestion, vision, and willpower.
- Jala (जल) – Water: Represents fluidity, emotions, and nourishment. It is essential for life and is linked to taste and purification.
- Prithvi (पृथ्वी) – Earth: Represents stability, structure, and material existence. It is associated with the sense of smell and provides support to all living beings.
All these elements hold space in spirituality. Yet, as we explore this concept, a paradox emerges. While space (Akasha) is revered in Chidambaram, it is the other four elements—earth, water, fire, and air—that seem to dominate our experience of life. Why does this happen? Why is the subtle (space) always overshadowed by the gross (other elements)?
In this blog, we try to delve into this question.
The Tree of Life: A Vedantic Perspective
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar often explains human existence through the metaphor of a tree.
- The roots represent the unseen, the subtle aspects—our connection with the divine, our inner silence, the vastness of consciousness.
- The trunk and branches symbolize the tangible world—the earth beneath our feet, the water that flows through our emotions, the fire of our desires, and the air that sustains our breath.
- In this analogy, space (Akasha) is like the vast sky in which the tree exists, holding it all, yet remaining unnoticed.
Despite being the most fundamental element—without which the others could not exist—it is the least acknowledged. The same applies to Chidambaram and to our lives. Actually, it depends on the domain we set in our mind, which for ordinary beings like me, remains limited to what we experience with our five senses:
- Shravana (श्रवण) – Hearing (Perceived through the ears, associated with Space – Akasha).
- Sparsha (स्पर्श) – Touch (Perceived through the skin, associated with Air – Vayu).
- Chakshu (चक्षु) – Sight (Perceived through the eyes, associated with Fire – Agni).
- Rasana (रसना) – Taste (Perceived through the tongue, associated with Water – Jala).
- Ghrana (घ्राण) – Smell (Perceived through the nose, associated with Earth – Prithvi).
Yet, space is infinite, and so is the capacity of the human mind.
Chid (चिद्): The Consciousness Beyond the Senses
Chid (चिद्) is a Sanskrit term that means pure consciousness or awareness. It is often used in Vedantic and spiritual philosophies to refer to the fundamental, unchanging consciousness that underlies all existence.
In Advaita Vedanta, Chid is an essential aspect of Sat-Chit-Ananda (सत्-चित्-आनन्द):
✔ Sat (सत्) – Absolute existence
✔ Chit (चित्) – Pure consciousness
✔ Ananda (आनन्द) – Bliss
Chid represents the self-luminous, ever-aware nature of Brahman (the ultimate reality) and the Atman (the individual soul in its purest form). It is beyond thoughts, senses, and material existence, forming the essence of spiritual enlightenment.
In spirituality, the goal is to develop this self-luminous consciousness to go beyond the senses, which would entail exploring the Akasha of Ambar with the help of this heightened awareness, capable of transcending material existence and diving into the infinite space of consciousness.
Why Do the Four Elements Dominate?
Earth (Prithvi): The Stability We Seek
Our physical body, material possessions, and homes give us a sense of security. The temple of Chidambaram itself, though dedicated to space, stands on solid ground, reminding us of our earthly existence.
Even revered Sadhus like the Naga Sadhus, who isolate themselves from society and emerge only during Kumbh Mela, are not entirely free from worldly compulsions. Even after renouncing the world, they still live somewhere on earth and seek stability, though with lesser attachment.
Water (Jala): The Emotional Flow
Our emotions and relationships often dictate our actions. Water, with its ever-changing nature, dominates our inner world. The rivers flowing around temple towns, the holy baths before worship—all highlight how water plays a vital role in spirituality.
Even in pujas, a Kalash of water absorbs the positive energy of mantras and is sprinkled around to purify earthly objects. Yet, even in these spiritual practices, our intrinsic desires remain tied to material well-being rather than absolute consciousness (Chid).
Fire (Agni): The Passion That Drives Us
Fire represents ambition, energy, and transformation. It is rituals, temple lamps, and the inner fire of devotion. Yet, the focus of this fire often shifts—once we leave the temple, our energy redirects toward worldly concerns like career and security.
Even those who renounce the world have hierarchies and desires, proving that fire continues to shape life even beyond material attachments.
Air (Vayu): The Breath of Life
Air sustains both body and mind. Pranayama (breath control) is a powerful practice in Vedanta, as it allows us to tap into deeper realms of consciousness. Yet, air remains a gross element compared to space—it can be felt, measured, and controlled, but not renounced.
The Silent Presence of Space (Akasha)
Despite the dominance of the four elements, space is ever-present. It is the silent witness, the unseen container of all activity.
Chidambaram’s true secret is not in what is seen, but in what is unseen—the hidden wisdom that true divinity is formless and boundless.
The Atman (soul) is believed to have an ultimate connection with Brahman (the Supreme Soul). Through Chidambaram—the developed consciousness, one can explore the infinite space and unify with the Supreme.
Living the Essence of Chidambaram
To truly experience the wisdom of Chidambaram, we must balance all five elements while not losing sight of Akasha—the infinite consciousness that binds all existence.
When we recognize this, life becomes a dance, just like Shiva’s cosmic Nataraja—rooted in the earth, yet free in space.
Inspire Positivity 