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: emergence, extension, transformation, motion and stability: symbolically defined as the five elements of the natural world: space (emergence), air (extension), fire (transformation), water (motion) and (stability) earth.
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.
Space represents the undefined and unlimited context of existence: consciousness. Air represents the gaseous level of existence, where distinct energies come into play. Fire represents the plasmic level, where energies meet, engage and transform. Water represents the liquid level of existence, where energies are becoming more focussed, more stable, more defined. Earth represents the solid level where objects are formed by virtue of stable duration in time and space. Space is primary, the arena within which the other four secondary elements interact.
The fundamental relationship between the five elements is that of a double helix. The outer trajectory is moving centripteally through time from the subtle to the coarse, (space-air-fire-water-earth). This is the spiral of materialisation. The inner trajectory is moving centrifugally through time from the coarse to the subtle (earth-water-fire-air-space). This is the spiral of spiritualisation, which is the course of yoga practice.
These five energetic tendencies underly the five primary yoga techniques. Dynamic yoga is based on the integration of the five classical techniqes of the yoga method: asana (stillness) vinyasa (flow); bandha (integration); pranayama (breathing); drushti (awareness). Each of these is a dynamic, direct expression of one of the five elements. By means of these five techniques the door of yoga is unlocked and opened.
