According to the ancient Sankhya theory of cosmology, on which ayurveda is based, the five elements – panchamahabhuta – combine in different proportions to form the material world. Each element possesses different amounts of the above-mentioned gunas; thus each element has its unique qualitative nature. The elements are:

1. Akasha – ether or space
2. Vayu – air
3. Tejas or agni – fire
4. Apa or jala – water
5. Prthvi – earth

Some authorities state that the early European concept of five elements evolved as a result of contact with ayurveda.

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