The 24 Elements of the Material World in Sankhya Philosophy and the Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita and Sankhya philosophy describe the 24 fundamental elements (tattvas) that make up the material world (Prakriti). These elements represent everything that exists in the material realm, including both gross and subtle aspects of creation.

The 24 Elements of Material Existence

1. The Five Gross Elements (Pancha Mahabhutas) – The Physical World

These are the building blocks of the material universe:

1. Earth (Bhūmi) – Solidity, stability (bones, muscles, physical structures).

2. Water (Āpaḥ) – Fluidity, cohesion (bodily fluids, rivers, oceans).

3. Fire (Anala/Tejas) – Heat, energy (sunlight, digestion, transformation).

4. Air (Vāyu) – Motion, life force (breath, wind, movement).

5. Space (Ākāsha) – Sound, vastness (ether, sky, inner stillness).

These five elements constitute everything tangible and perceivable in the universe.

2. The Five Sense Perceptions (Tanmatras) – Subtle Energy

These represent the fundamental qualities experienced through the senses:

6. Sound (Shabda) – Heard through the ear (e.g., music, speech).

7. Touch (Sparsha) – Felt through the skin (e.g., warmth, roughness).

8. Form (Rupa) – Seen through the eyes (e.g., colors, shapes).

9. Taste (Rasa) – Experienced through the tongue (e.g., sweet, salty).

10. Smell (Gandha) – Detected by the nose (e.g., fragrance, odors).

These are the pure essence of what we perceive before they manifest as physical object.

3. The Five Sense Organs (Jnana Indriyas) – Tools of Perception

These allow us to experience the material world:

11. Ears (Shrotra) – Hearing.

12. Skin (Tvak) – Touch.

13. Eyes (Chakshu) – Vision.

14. Tongue (Jihvā) – Taste.

15. Nose (Ghrāṇa) – Smell.

These are receiving organs—they help us take in external stimuli.

4. The Five Action Organs (Karma Indriyas) – Tools of Interaction

These enable us to act and express in the world:

16. Mouth (Vāk) – Speaking, expressing.

17. Hands (Pāṇi) – Grasping, working.

18. Feet (Pāda) – Walking, movement.

19. Genitals (Upastha) – Reproduction, pleasure.

20. Anus (Payu) – Elimination, cleansing.

These are outward-directed organs that allow us to engage with the world.

5. The Four Subtle Elements – The Inner Instruments (Antahkarana)

These are psychological and intellectual faculties:

21. Mind (Manas) – Thoughts, emotions, desires, processing sensory data.

22. Intellect (Buddhi) – Discrimination, reasoning, decision-making.

23. Ego (Ahaṅkāra) – Sense of "I," identity, and separation.

24. Chitta (Memory/Subconscious Mind) – Storage of experiences, habits, impressions.

These four function together, shaping our thoughts, emotions, and self-identity.

Beyond the 24 Elements – The 25th Element (Purusha / Atman)

Krishna in the Gita (7.4-5) explains that beyond these 24 material elements lies the 25th element—Purusha (the Soul, Atman, Consciousness).

The 24 elements are part of Prakriti (material nature) and are inert without Purusha.

Purusha (Consciousness) is the experiencer, observer, and eternal reality beyond birth and death.

Understanding These Elements in Daily Life

1. The Body (Gross) – Formed by the Five Great Elements (Mahabhutas).

2. Perception (Experience) – Happens through the Sense Perceptions (Tanmatras) and Sense Organs (Jnana Indriyas).

3. Action (Interaction) – Expressed through the Five Action Organs (Karma Indriyas).

4. Thinking and Decision-making (Internal Processing) – Governed by the Four Subtle Elements (Mind, Intellect, Ego, Memory).

5. The Real Self (Purusha) – The observer, beyond all material components.

How This Connects to the Bhagavad Gita’s Teachings

Krishna (13.22) explains that Prakriti (Nature) and Purusha (Soul) interact, creating karma (actions), bondage, and experiences.

Chapter 14 describes how these elements are governed by the three Gunas (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas), influencing behavior and emotions.

Chapter 15 (15.7) – Krishna states that the soul (Jiva) is beyond these material elements, but when it identifies with the body and mind, it becomes bound by material nature.

Chapter 18 – The ultimate goal is to detach from material identification and surrender to Krishna (18.66), transcending the 24 elements and realizing the eternal Self.

Final Thought – How to Use This Knowledge?

1. Self-awareness: Understand how our body, senses, and mind function.

2. Detachment: Realize that all suffering comes from identifying with these elements rather than the soul.

3. Spiritual Focus: Shift consciousness from the material (Prakriti) to the spiritual (Purusha), through Bhakti Yoga, Meditation, and Knowledge (Jnana Yoga).

4. Transcend the Modes: Use Sattva to rise above Rajas and Tamas, then go beyond even Sattva into pure spiritual consciousness.

This Sankhya-based understanding of the 24 elements helps us see the illusion of material nature and focus on liberation (Moksha).