Chakras and Tattvas

The Five Tattvas

Tattvas are the elements from which you are made, at least in the premise of Kundalini yogic philosophy. They are Earth, Water, Fire, Air*, and Ether. You may find it more useful to think of these metaphysically as opposed to the literal truth, although in fairness there are uniquely talented healers who have established successful practices by treating the tattvas.
What follows is a discussion of the tattvas and how they are considered in Kundalini yogic philosophy. Most of you know I am a teacher and not a philosopher! Accordingly, the next five Tuesday classes at Hazard Center and Thursday classes at Toby Wells will be devoted to giving you an in-the-body experience of each tattva through yoga.
The tattvas are associated with the chakras, but only the first Five. The Sixth, Seventh and Eighth chakras are beyond the elements. These upper chakras are associated with the quality of light.

Tattvas are the densest form of Maya. They produce the illusion of separation, or in Western terms duality. Each tattva projects Maya in a specific way which leads to suffering. Since tattvas are the elements you are comprised of, you cannot get rid of their projections. However, you can re-direct those projects in an uplifting way. This may not be as easy to do as it it is to say, but it can be done.

The tattvas summarized:
Earth corresponds with the First Chakra. Although this Chakra’s energy is associated with elimination, the projection of Earth is greed to acquire. This leads to heaviness, fixity and depression. Re-channel greed from acquiring material possessions to acquiring the qualities of a great person.

Water corresponds with the Second Chakra, which we associate with creativity. The projection of Water is lust, which leads to guilt, delusion and pitilessness. Re-channel lust from exploitation to service that fosters creativity and affection.

Fire corresponds with the Third Chakra, which we associate with our personal power and the digestive organs. The projection of fire is the desire to control, which leads to fear and anger. Re-channel anger from others onto your own negativity; not in a self-destructive shaming way, but one that uses that energy for purification.

Air corresponds with the Fourth Chakra, which we associate with the Heart. The projection of Air is attachment (“I have my heart set on…”) to earthly possessions. Note the distinction regarding earthly possessions between Earth (greed, or the desire to acquire) and Air! Attachment to things leads to anxiety and indecisiveness. Re-channel attachment from specific things to the whole Universe. Love ideas and ideals, become attached to happiness and health and your connection to the divine.

Ether corresponds with the Fifth Chakra, which we associate with the Throat and speaking and hearing Truth. Your small “t” truth contains your sense of self, and may lead to egomania. Re-channel your sense of the ego, or the small, transitory self into the capital T Truth of oneness with the Infinite Being which is all that there is.