Words are but the shadows of thought and feelings. Bowl of Saki, June 2, by Hazrat Inayat Khan Commentary by Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan: Although the elements may be called earth, water, fire, air and ether, this must not be taken literally. Their nature and character, according to the mystics, are different. But, as words are few, one cannot give other names to these elements, although in Sanskrit we have distinctive words for them. 'Ether' is not ether in the scientific sense; it is capacity.... Sign in to see full entry.