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The Five Elements of Nature

In yoga, the five elements of nature are as follows: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether (Space or Sky). We have previously talked about two of the five elements in yogic thinking. Namely, earth and water. This week, we move our attention to the fire element, also known as, agni.

Fire (Agni)

In yoga, fire is transformational. The fire element is linked to metabolism and body regulation. Fire is a purifier.

The key properties of the fire element are energy, passion and transformation

Fire occurs in nature. Our sun sustains life on our magnificent planet. Our sun is the ultimate fire that we humans recognize. Fire can also be controlled by humans for life-sustaining activities. For example, we can create a fireplace fire or a campfire where a person would build the fire to provide heat and perhaps cook some life-sustaining food.

Fire and the Seven Chakras

We've discussed the seven chakra, energy centers in prior posts. The chakra of fire is the manipura chakra. It is no accident that this chakra is translated as the solar chakra. Fire is is the primary element in this chakra and is associated with creativity, passion, heat, and self-confidence. It creates heat and drives our basic human needs such as sleep, hunger and thirst. If we have an excess of fire within us, this chakra would be considered out of balance and can be expressed emotionally as hatred or anger.

According to SadhGuru, fire is directed internally. It is ignited from within. Fire can bring you to the blissful or divine state or discovery of your higher self.

By burning away impurities, the fire helps you dance into creativity, passion, and the will to follow your dreams. Asana practice focuses on strengthening the body's core particularly around the solar plexus area.

Lighting the Fire with Yoga Poses (asana)

The fire element is a purifier. In yoga asana practice, building fire could mean building up your sweat. Sweat helps the body to purify. That is, as we build heat in the body our sweat releases the toxins that we don't need. Rid of the toxins, our bodies begin to purify. My favorite asana to build fire is Sun Salutation A. It warms the body so quickly. Any other activity that raises your sweat level is considered to be creating your inner fire.

If Sun Salutations or vigorous activity are beyond the dictates of your body, then here is another sequence to help you build fire in your solar plexus and balance your Manipura chakra. The sequence below can be found at this link and includes more detailed information and my cues. Always verify with your medical professional before undertaking any physical activities.

Lighting the Fire with Breath

There are several ways to light your internal fire with breath. Dirga or 3-part breath is the simplest way to light our internal flame. Taking a first sip of breath in without exhaling it, the belly rises, the lungs fill on the second sip, and the 3 sip fills you completely when your chest rises. Then exhale and let it all out in the same order, belly, lungs and chest and repeat the sequence at least 3 times.

References & Further Reading:

FPJ Bureau. (2019). The five elements and why you should connect with it in Free Press Journal online.

SadhGuru, (n.d.) The Fire Element – 4 Types of Agni

Tint yoga magazine (2020). Is the theory of the 5 elements outdated?