Hazrat Inayat Khan
[Arabic names for the Elements]
From Vol. 1, The Soul, Whence And Whither?, Introduction, Arwah
There is also the phenomenon of four elements, besides one which is the source and goal of all elements: Nur, the ether; this makes them five. Baad the air, Aetsh the fire, Aab the water, Khaak the earth. These elements have worked in consonance with one another in order to bring about the results desired by the divine wisdom working behind them. In every Akasha or Asman they have been present either more or less; one without the other did not exist; the four together brought the fifth. In this way the whole manifestation has taken place through a gradual process of development.
[Attract like element]
From The Healing Papers, 1,1: Magnetism, 6: Mental Purification
The more attention we give to this subject, the more proof we can find of one element being drawn to its similar element. Sa'adi says, "Element attracts element, as a dove is attracted to a dove and an eagle is attracted to an eagle." But do we not find the same thing in life every day? A gambler when he goes to another country, one does not know how, attracts another gambler very soon. And it is not only that when two persons of a similar element meet they are attracted to one another, but even conditions, life itself, brings about their meeting; life itself draws them together. And therefore it is natural that a person who is very sad attracts a miserable one to join him; the one with joy, with happiness, naturally attracts happiness. And in this way magnetism is working through the whole of creation; and in all aspects you will see the phenomena of magnetism, in the physical world as well as in the mental spheres.
[Attract opposite element]
From The Healing Papers, 1,1: Magnetism, 6: Mental Purification
Of course, one cannot say that an element always attracts the same element, for the element also attracts what it lacks, what is opposite to it. When we think of friendship, we see that with some we feel inclined to be friends and from others we feel inclined to keep away. And the most interesting part is that those whom we feel disinclined to be friends with, have also some who are drawn towards them in friendship. This leads us to the truth which lies in musical harmony: how two notes have a relation to one another and their combination brings about a harmony.
[Refreshing]
From The Message Papers, What is the Message?
Every element turns into its own element, and comes again afresh. When the fire is extinguished, it has become absorbed in its own element. It has gone and joined the heat. So is water and earth. So is the air. Every element goes back to its own element in the end and comes again afresh. And such is the law of the Divine Message. Numberless religions have been taught. Various prophets and masters have come to waken humanity, and those of them we know are only a few which we could count on the fingers. But where are the other religions gone? What about all the other teachers? It would be like asking, "Where is all the water that fell? Where has the rain gone?" It has gone nowhere; it has gone to its own source, only to come afresh again with new life, with new magnetism, with new strength and vigor. And yet it is the same water of life, the drinking of which gives souls immortality.
[Senses]
From Vol. 5, Metaphysics, The Experience of the Soul Through the Different Planes of Existence, The Nature of the Senses and Their Organs
There are five senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. The senses of sight and hearing are the principal ones, and of these two the principal is the sense of sight.
- The sense of touch is perceived through the medium of the skin, which represents the earth element, and is sensitive to cold and heat.
- The sense of taste is perceived through the medium of the tongue, which represents the water element; all salt, sour and sweet, pungent and bitter tastes are distinguished by it.
- The sense of smell is perceived through the medium of the nose, the channel of the breath, which alone can distinguish the odors and fragrances.
- The sense of hearing represents the air, and is perceived through the medium of the ears.
- The sense of sight represents ether, and is perceived through the medium of the eyes, which in this material body are the substitute of the soul.
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