Dear Dr.Todd,
I would like to suggest a little addition on what you have already mentioned in your post - You have mentioned
" mind is chitta, from the root "chit" to be aware, and represents the
total field of consciousness, comprised of buddhi (higher intellect),
ahamkara (self-identification)"
I think if I recollect correctly, CHITTA is comprising of basically three components viz. Manas, Buddhi ,Ahamkara.

In the second post what you have said is correct but again with a little modification, Panchamahabhootas are created from Not only Tamas but in conjunction with Rajas Ahamkara & Tamas Ahamkara gives rise to generation Panchatanmatras & Panchamahabhootas ( evolutes of Srishti utpattikrama ) Ref.Sankhya Karikavali.

I liked personally your post on Breathing. Its quite interesting & also post on Prana by Dr.Bhate !

With warm regards,
Dr.Aashish Phadke
www.ayurvision.com