Panca Maha Bhuta
(The Five Great Elements)
Curated by
Bruce W. Carpenter &
James Bennett
Balinese tradition states all existence consists of five elements. Four of these– Earth, Water, Fire and Air – are like those recognized in European tradition from early Greek times. However, the Balinese add a mysterious fifth element known as Akasa. This is often referred to as Ether but the term akasa is also sometimes translated as ‘nothingness’, ‘zero’ or ‘space’. Akasa is other worldly in origin, immutable and uncorruptible, unlike the first four elements which manifest in our impermanent physical realm.
The concept of the five elements permeates every aspect of Balinese religion, culture, art, philosophy, ritual and occult science. Each element presides over its own realm and has unique characteristics associated with the micro- and macro-cosmos (buwana alit, buwana agung) as well as the daily cycle of life. The five elements are also connected with the solar and lunar calendars, planets, places, directions of the compass, and the gods, both in their benign and wrathful manifestations.