Shloka 5
Dharma, Purity, and the Inner Purpose of the Vedas
Karma-kāṇḍa Reoriented to Bhakti
भूम्यम्ब्वग्न्यनिलाकाशा भूतानां पञ्चधातव: । आब्रह्मस्थावरादीनां शारीरा आत्मसंयुता: ॥ ५ ॥
bhūmy-ambv-agny-anilākāśā bhūtānāṁ pañca-dhātavaḥ ā-brahma-sthāvarādīnāṁ śārīrā ātma-saṁyutāḥ
La terre, l’eau, le feu, l’air et l’éther sont les cinq éléments qui composent les corps de toutes les âmes conditionnées, depuis Brahmā lui-même jusqu’aux êtres immobiles ; et tous émanent de l’unique Personne Suprême, Bhagavān.
All material bodies are composed of different proportions of the same five gross elements, which emanate from the one Personality of Godhead and cover the living entities, who are all in the jīva category.
FAQs
This verse states that all bodies are constituted of five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and ether—regardless of species, from Brahmā to immovable beings.
Kṛṣṇa teaches Uddhava analytical knowledge (sāṅkhya) to help him discern the temporary material body from the eternal ātmā, strengthening detachment and devotion.
Seeing the body as a temporary combination of elements helps reduce anxiety and ego, encouraging steadiness, ethical living, and deeper spiritual practice centered on the self and devotion to Kṛṣṇa.