Advertisement

Ether

Last updated: December 21, 2023

What Does Ether Mean?

Ether is the first of the five elements of the universe as described by Ayurveda, a sister science of yoga. Ayurvedic teachings state that the universe is composed of five elements: ether, air, fire, water and earth. Ether is considered to be the most subtle of the five elements.

Ether is sometimes referred to as space because it is the space that the other elements fill. Ether has the properties of lightness, airiness and spirituality. It has also been equated by some with the concept of consciousness. Yoga practice can help increase one’s awareness of ether.

The Sanskrit name for ether is akasha.

Advertisement

Yogapedia Explains Ether

Ether tends to be defined by that which it is lacking. By its nature, it is the absence of properties rather than the properties themselves. It lacks fire’s warmth, so it is cold. It lacks the propulsion of air, so it is still. And it lacks the heaviness of earth and water, so it is light. Ether is also limitless and boundless, so it fills the whole of space.

Because ether is associated with consciousness, it is possible to bring more of the ether element into any yoga practice by cultivating more mindfulness and awareness. This can be applied to life “off the mat” by living a more conscious life, but it also relates to practice “on the mat.”

In a more literal sense, noticing the space between breaths as well as the space around the body as it moves through asanas and holds them, can help the practitioner become more attuned to the ether that surrounds them.

As an element, ether is associated with the throat chakra (visuddha). This is because the throat chakra is connected with sound and communication, and it is through ether that sound is said to pass.


During These Times of Stress and Uncertainty Your Doshas May Be Unbalanced.

To help you bring attention to your doshas and to identify what your predominant dosha is, we created the following quiz.

Try not to stress over every question, but simply answer based off your intuition. After all, you know yourself better than anyone else.

Advertisement

Share This Term

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Related Reading

Trending Articles

Go back to top