The Tattvas as Basic Elements of Reality—
In Yogic philosophy, much of which has roots going back to the Upanishads, the five tattvas constitute the basic components of reality. Said differently, they are the building blocks of all of nature, including us. The five elements, or tattvas, are Earth, Air, Ether, Water, and Fire.
With regard to how they are manifested in our bodies, it is thought that when the tattvas are strong, balanced, and flowing properly within us, we can resist stress, trauma, and illness. Yoga provides the tools to balance these elements when they are out of balance.
It is also believed that there is significance in how they appear in our life and if we are sensitive to them, we can cultivate a stronger connection with them. You might think of the tattvas as cosmic forces that not only compose who we are, but act as impersonal sources of wisdom.
It is in that spirit that this story was born. In it, the tattvas are teachers. It demonstrates the interplay between these cosmic elements, and those who are aware of their presence.
Once there was a humble, spiritual student. In his travels, he was committed to learning from every teacher he encountered. His first five teachers were not in human form, at all. They were in fact, the five tattvas, or gross elements of the universe: mother Earth, wind (air), sky (ether), water, and fire.
His first lesson was from Mother Earth, who taught him the lesson of forgiveness. Man throws mountains of waste and pollution into landfills and abuses the planet further by chopping down her beautiful trees, and throwing poison into her waters. But Mother Earth continues to provide fruits, vegetables, and nourishment, despite all the abuse. Through her example, he became committed to forgiving the ignorance of those around him, and to continue to shine his light of wisdom, so as to uplift others.
His second lesson came from the wind, who taught him to be unattached, and to continue moving for the sake of reaching and enlightening as many people as possible. Also, like the wind, he committed himself to cultivating the gift of subtlety. It’s strong but invisible and knows when to stop. Like a true mystic, he set out to cultivate this skill.
His third lesson came from father sky, which is all pervading, pure, and unsullied. Like the sky, he resolved to always care for his soul, and not allow it to get spoiled and jaded by the challenges of life or the thoughtlessness of others.
His fourth lesson came from the element of water. Water cleanses. It washes away everything. As a true spiritual student and teacher, he wanted to dedicate his existence to washing others of untruths and misperceptions. Also, like water, he committed himself to never staying stagnant, but rather to continue to grow and evolve.
Finally, his last lesson came from the element of fire, which always burns brightly. He promised himself to continue to keep his inner light burning bright, so that he could continue to provide spiritual solace and comfort to others. Like the fire, he would find the grit within himself to get up every morning to do his meditations so that he may be of service to others and shine his light brightly to all who come into his presence.
