त्वक्चर्ममांसरुधिर मेदोमज्जास्थिधातवः भूम्यप्तेजोमयाः सप्त प्राणो व्योमाम्बुवायुभिः
tvak-carma-māṁsa-rudhira- medo-majjāsthi-dhātavaḥ bhūmy-ap-tejomayāḥ sapta prāṇo vyomāmbu-vāyubhiḥ
Synonyms
tvak—the thin layer on the skin; carma—skin; māṁsa—flesh; rudhira—blood; medaḥ—fat; majjā—marrow; asthi—bone; dhātavaḥ—elements; bhūmi—earth; ap—water; tejaḥ—fire; mayāḥ—predominating; sapta—seven; prāṇaḥ—breathing air; vyoma—sky; ambu—water; vāyubhiḥ—by the air..
Translation
The seven elements of the body, namely the thin layer on the skin, the skin, the flesh, the blood, fat, the marrow and the bone, are all made of earth, water and fire, whereas the life breathing air is produced by the sky, water and air.
Purport
Construction of the whole material world is prominently made by three elements, namely earth, water and fire. But the living force is produced by sky, air, and water. So water is the common element both in the gross and subtle forms of all material creation, and it should be noted herewith that due to necessity, water, being most prominent in the material creation, is the principal element of all the five. This material body is thus an embodiment of the five elements, and the gross manifestation is perceived because of three, namely, earth, water, and fire. Sensation of touch is perceived due to the thin layer on the skin, and bone is as good as hard stone. Since the breathing air of life is produced of sky, air and water, open air, regular bath and ample space to live in are favorable for healthy vitality. Fresh produce of the earth like grains and vegetables, fresh water and heat are good for the upkeep of the gross body.