The human body is thus a microcosm of nature and is essentially composed of the five basic elements (see box). In the context of perceptivity, while the Mahabhootas and thus the totality of corporeal existence by itself cannot be perceived objectively, their presence can be inferred by the manifestation of certain qualities. In other words the evolution of the Mahabhootas gives rise to the distinction of qualitative differences that can be objectively perceived.

The three gunas of Prakruti – the fundamental qualities – are present in all of the five elements or building blocks of existence, but disturbance of equilibrium results in the dominance of one or two gunas in each element imparting distinctive properties to each of them. By virtue of this quality they are perceived by the Tanmatras or sense organs, the first link in perceptivity. Thus sense perception closely corresponds to the five universal elements both conceptually and physiologically.

1. Sattwa predominates ‘Akash’ and it corresponds to sound perception since space is the medium through which sound travels as vibrations even according to modern science.
2. Rajas predominates ‘Vayu’ and this according to Ayurveda is essential for touch perception, movement being vital for test of palpability or consistency.
3. Sattwa and Rajas are innate in ‘Tejas’ and is associated with visual perception as light energy is the basis for vision.
4. Sattwa and Tamas are predominant in ‘Ap’ corresponding to taste perception for which water and binding of taste receptors is a primary requirement.
5. Tamas is predominant in ‘Prithvi’, which is responsible for smell or flavour perception. This is in agreement with the modern theory of ‘no molecule – no flavour’ referring to the actual locking of flavour molecules within smell receptors triggering a highly complex neurosensory apparatus enabling flavour perception.

In other words the five universal elements are directly related to human ability, both to perceive and to respond to the external environment.