Akasha

Akasha (aether) is one of the Panchabhutas. It is a Sanskrit term and means ‘aether’ and has its origin in the ‘Rig Veda’ in 1300 B.C.

According to Hindu mythology the human body is made of the Panchabhutas, Akash, Vayu, Jal, Agni and Bhoomi. These five elements are considered equivalent to eternal power and are worshipped by humans accordingly.

Akasha is considered to be the unifying energy which exists in every living being. Among all the Panchabhutas, Akasha is the most important.

Aether (also called ether) is supposed to be the substance that once filled the whole of space. Aristotle christened it the fifth and the most important element. According to the Hindu and Buddhist philosophers the whole universe zeroes down to one substance, Akasha. Every feeling both physical and mental is accountable to this element. All the secondary elements solid, liquid or gaseous are formed by Akasha.

Some philosophers connect Akasha with ‘Prana’ or ‘life’; believing that Akasha co-exists with a universal power called Prana.This Prana acts as the force of attraction and acting along with Akasha creates the whole universe. It is believed that Prana lay motionless in the middle of an ocean called Akasha and then its power started the work and elements and life forms started forming. Thus all the power and manifestations in this eternal universe is Prana and the core element is Akasha.They both make the world go round.

On the pentagram, Akasha is assigned the fifth top point to demarcate it from others and also to signify its importance. It is often put into simple terms as the human soul and the all powerful omnipotent spirit of the eternal being.

It is considered to be the very essence of life.