All the gross elements have originated from the tanmatras (rudimentary or subtle elements). The gross element that has been derived from a particular tanmatra (subtle element) is said to be the ‘Guna’ (inherent quality) of that gross element. The guna (inherent quality) of akasha (ether) element is shabda (sound), hence the guna of ether is the sound. The guna (inherent quality) of vayu (air) element is sparsha (touch), therefore the guna of air is the touch. The gross element of agni (fire) is derived from rupa (form) tanmatra, therefore the inherent quality of agni (fire) is rupa (form). The gross element of water originated from rasa (taste) tanmatra, therefore the inherent quality of water is rasa (taste) and the gross element of prithvi (earth) originated from gandha (smell) tanmatra, hence the inherent quality of earth is smell. Since all gross elements are related to some or the other Chakra, therefore the guna (inherent quality) of each gross element is also associated with the Chakra related to it. The gross element of the Muladhara Chakra is earth, therefore the guna (inherent qualiy) of this Chakra is gandha (smell). The gross element of the Swadhisthana Chakra is water, thus the guna (inherent quality) of this Chakra is rasa (taste). The gross element of the Manipur Chakra is fire, therefore the inherent quality of this Chakra is rupa (form). The gross element of Anahata Chakra is air, hence the inherent quality of this Chakra is sparsha (touch) and the gross element of the Vishudhhi Chakra is akasha (ether), hence the inherent quality of this Chakra is shabda (sound). The gross body has five organs of action and five organs of perception. Chakshu (eyes), srotra (ears), ghrana (nose), rasana (tongue) and tvacha (skin) are known as Gyanendriya (organs of perception). Excretary organs (payu), reproductory organs (upastha), legs (pada), hands (hasta) and speech (vaacha) are called Karmendriya (organs of action). The knowledge of the external world is discerned with the help of the Gyanendriya (organs of perception) and all living beings perform various body functions with the help of Karmendriya (organs of action). Although the Chakras have their own subtle energy that flows throughout the body, each Chakra has a special relationship with one karmendriya (organ of action) and one gyanendriya (organ of perception). The organ of perception of Mooladhara Chakra is ghrana (smell) and it’s organ of action is payu (excretory organ). Swadhishthana Chakra’s organ of perception is rasana and it’s organ of action is upastha. Manipur Chakra’s organ of perception is chakshu and it’s organ of action is pada. The organ of perception of Anahata Chakra is sparsha and it’s organ of action is hasta and the Vishuddhi Chakra’s organ of perception is srotra and it’s organ of action is vaacha.
~ Acharyasri