Three Doshas
So the five elements are conceptual categories that combine to form everything in the universe. How they combine is the next level of detail, which is doshic theory. From the simplest perspective, the 5 elements combine as depicted below to create three primal energies, or forces. These forces are termed doshas (pronounced DHO.shas): Vata, pitta and kapha. Since the doshas are the combination of the elements, and the elements are the building blocks of everything in the universe, the doshic forces are present in everything in the universe. We can see these primal energies at play in the seasons of the year, in our bodily functions, and even in the times of day.
Unlike the 5 conceptual categories, or elements, the doshas are easier to observe because we can see the effects of their presence. In general, kapha is the creative force, pitta maintains the creation, and vata is the force of wear and tear that eventually destroys the creation. These are the fundamental roles of the doshas, but this description is a very simplified one. Lesson 3 goes into a bit more detail on each dosha and its effects in the body.