Panchikarana: A Wonder system of Vedanta Philosophy

पञ्चीकरण (Panchikarana) is an interesting theory in Vedanta Philosophy. Where is the  Tamo guṇa of the five elements divides into two halves. The one half remains as it is and the other half further gets divided into four parts. The half portion that was not divided conjoins with the one fourth part of the other half of another element. The following chart for space, one of the five elements will explain this.

The following will explain the formation of the elements:

Space = 50% of space + 12.50% of air +12.50% fire +12.50% water + 12.50% earth = 100%

Air = 50% of air +12.50% space +12.50% of fire + 12.50% water + 12.50% earth = 100%.

It is the same for the other three elements also. When this division is complete for all the elements, it signals the completion of pañcīkaraṇa (Panchikarana) or (five fold) of the five elements. When the pañcīkaraṇa (Panchikarana) is completed, the formation of gross body is also completed.

The scripture Pañcīkaraṇa (Panchikarana) says, पञ्चीकृत-पञ्च-महाभूतानि तत्कार्यं च सर्वं विराद् इति उच्यते”. It means that virāṭ is the sum total of five elements and their effects. It further says, “एतत् स्थुलशरीरम् आत्मनः” which means ‘this is the gross body of the Ātman’. Ātman which identifies itself with the jāgrat state (active state, one of the stages of consciousness and the sthulaśarīra (gross body) is known as Viśva. The seventeen components that is the subtle body of the Ātman, known as hiranyagarbha. When the Ātman identifies itself with the subtle body during dream state, it is called taijasa.

Bound by the reflection of the Self, māyā hides the Self, which is the cause for both the gross and subtle bodies is known as avyakta. This is the state of unmanifest. This stage is said to be both existent and non-existent, because of the involvement of māyā. During the state of deep sleep, thoughts cease to exist and the intellect begins to take rest, thereby signalling the commencement of the deep sleep state. When the Ātman identifies itself with the causal bodyand the state of deep sleep, it is called prājñā. When the Ātman realises its true nature, i.e. the Brahman, it is called samādhi, leading to realisation. When the Ātman understands that it is the Brahman only, it is called realisation of the Self or aham brahmāsmi or I am the Brahman.

Tattvabodha thus establishes the identity between microcosm and macrocosm. The individual gross body is called piṇḍāṇḍa (microcosm) and sum total of all piṇḍāṇḍa-s is brahmāṇḍa (macrocosm). The individual soul is nothing but a part of the Brahman and realising this truth is known as Self realisation. Due to the veiling effects of māyā, Ātman continues to forget its true nature.

Thank You.
Debashis