Quintuplication of Elements

Quintuplication of elements is also called Panchikarana. According to this ancient theory, owing to ignorance one identifies with the physical body which is made up of five basic, pure elements: akasha, ether; vayu, air; agni, fire; apas, water; and prathivi, earth. These undergo permutation and combine with each other in definite proportions. This is called quintiplication.

In their subtle or pure form, the five basic elements combine in definite proportions to form gross elements. It is these gross elements upon which the existence of the earth depends. Each gross element is made up of one half of its corresponding pure element and one-eight of each of the four other subtle elements.

Further, each of these elements has five properties. These properties are based upon the interaction of the subtle elements within the gross elements, and the total twenty-five in number.

Quintuplicated Elements

Disclaimer: In quintuplication, the gross physical elements are not quintuplicated; only the subtle rudimentary principles of these elements are quintuplicated. Else, one would perceive silver in a pillar of stone.

Compiled from various sources.