The Elements in the Yoga Method
The Five Elements are the primary energies of existence. They are fundamental to all processes, situations, events and phenomena, and underlie the Yoga method. They are: space (emergence), air (extension), fire (transformation), water (motion) and (stability) earth. These five energetic tendencies underly the five primary yoga techniques: asana (stillness) ullola (movement); bandha (integration); pranayama (breathing); drushti (attentiveness). Each of these is a dynamic, direct expression of their element. By means of the balanced application of these five techniques the door of yoga is unlocked and opened.
Earth is the solid aspect of existence whereby phenomena endure and continue: asana is stable stillness. Water is the fluid aspect of existence whereby phenomena blend and merge: ullola is effortless transition. Fire is the transformative aspect of existence whereby forms transmute: bandha is deep transformation. Air is the expansive aspect of existence whereby fulfilment takes place: pranayama is expansive nourishment. Space is the ground of existence from which all things emerge: drushti is effortless awareness of that which actually is.
The five elements form a single spectrum of energetics within which they are each transitory states of change. All phenomena constitute a unique and dynamic blending of the five elements, within which each constituent element is in a dynamic state. They are continuously changing in relation to each other. The nature of these inner changes underpins the transformations to which each phenomenon is subject.
