Significance of Five element
Synonyms: Five components, Five factors, Five principles, Five aspects, Five constituents, Five elements, Five parts, Group of five, Fivefold
In Dutch: Vijf elementen; In Finnish: Viisi elementtiä; In Spanish: Cinco elementos; In German: Fünf Elemente; In Malay: Lima unsur; In Swedish: Fem element; In French: Cinq éléments
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Five element'
The Five Elements in Buddhism encompass earth, water, fire, air, and space, crucial for understanding existence, meditation, and the nature of sentient beings, promoting energy purification and informed perceptions within spiritual teachings.
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Earth, water, fire, air, and space.[1] (2) The elements that are recognized during meditation, associated with colors that help purify external sickness and other obscurations.[2] (3) The fundamental substances in many spiritual and philosophical traditions which are involved in energy purification.[3] (4) The foundational components of existence, each associated with different qualities and energies.[4] (5) The natural constituents of reality described as the 'five consorts' within the discussion of samayas.[5]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Referred to as pancaskandha, it includes the five aggregates that constitute a sentient being's experience in Buddhist philosophy.[6] (2) The five elements refer to the traditional classification of earth, water, fire, wind, and mind, used in explaining the nature of existence.[7] (3) The five elements (skandhasampad) referred to in the text are qualities used to praise the Buddha and the Community, which are essential for understanding their significance within the teachings.[8]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Comprises earth, water, fire, wind, and emptiness, collectively described in the text.[9]
From: The gods of northern Buddhism
(1) The foundational components of existence in Buddhist philosophy, representing earth, water, fire, air, and ether.[10]
Hindu concept of 'Five element'
The Five elements in Hinduism encompass Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether, representing the fundamental components of physical existence, which yogins master to understand the nature of the material world and spiritual enlightenment.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Earth, Wind, Ether, Water, and Light, foundational substances that play a role in the existence and transformation of living beings.[11] (2) The fundamental components of the universe: Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Space.[12] (3) The five elements arise from the Seed and are integral to the composition of the universe and living beings.[13] (4) Refers to the fundamental elements of nature—air, heat, water, ether, and earth—established in Krishna.[14] (5) The fundamental components of the universe as identified by wise individuals; these are space, air, fire, water, and earth.[15]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The basic components of existence according to Indian philosophy, which include akasa (ether), Vayu (air), fire, water, and earth.[16] (2) The foundational elements of existence: earth, water, fire, air, and ether.[17] (3) The basic constituents of the Universe in this context, which include earth, air, ether, fire, and water.[18] (4) The basic components of the physical universe, commonly understood as earth, water, fire, air, and ether.[19] (5) The five elements called Prapanca vanish in the body of Prakriti during Pralaya.[20]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The fundamental components of existence which include earth, water, fire, air, and ether, constituting the physical universe.[21] (2) The fundamental constituents of physical existence that form the basis of the perishable body.[22] (3) The fundamental components of the universe in Hindu philosophy: earth, water, fire, air, and vacuum (space).[23] (4) The basic components—earth, fire, water, air, and ether—that form the foundation of all existence as discussed in the narrative.[24] (5) The fundamental elements recognized as earth, air, fire, water, and ether.[25]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) A reference to the concept of mortality and the natural cycle of life and death.[26] (2) A reference to the concept of life and death, suggesting the return of Lakshmana to nature.[27] (3) A philosophical reference to the components that make up life and existence.[28]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The fundamental constituents of reality in Hindu philosophy: earth, water, fire, air, and ether.[29] (2) The constituents of the universe—earth, ether, fire, air, and water—identified with the Rishis welcoming Vishnu.[30]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Alarka referred to the physical body as an assembly of five fundamental elements, emphasizing its impermanence.[31] (2) The fundamental components of existence referenced in the context of Vikranta's being.[32]
From: Nilamata Purana
(1) Fundamental components of nature in Hindu philosophy including Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether.[33]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) The basic elements that the mind rules over and is involved in absorbing or bringing forth.[34]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) The physical components of the universe perceived through senses; they are illustrated as mere appearances in the context of deeper spiritual understanding.[35]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The fundamental components � earth, water, fire, air, and ether � that constitute physical existence.[36]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The components of material existence, specifically mentioned in the context of the world's creation.[37] (2) The fundamental components of the universe, which include ether, air, fire, water, and earth.[38] (3) The fundamental components of the material world, symbolizing the physical reality from which the world is constituted.[39] (4) The five fundamental components that are considered the primary or basic elements within the context of the text.[40] (5) The foundational components of the universe, traditionally including fire, water, earth, space, and air, which are categorized as gross and subtle.[41]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The five elements are the components constituting the gross and subtle forms of Brahman, leading to the concept of truth.[42] (2) The fundamental physical components that constitute all of creation, interpreted in the context of the relationship with the Satya-Brahman.[43] (3) The foundation of the physical body, which contrasts with the finer essence that nourishes the subtle body.[44] (4) The foundational components of physical reality (earth, water, air, fire, ether) that structure Gargi's line of questioning.[45] (5) The fundamental constituents of the universe that originate and dissolve.[46]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The body is said to be composed of five elements: prithivi (earth), apas (water), agni (fire), vayu (air), and akash (space).[47] (2) The five elements (prithivi, apas, agni, vayu, and akash) form the essential components of physical existence that yogins learn to master through practice.[48] (3) The basic building blocks of the body, namely Prithivi (earth), Apas (water), Tejas (fire), Vayu (air), and Akash (space), which are essential for understanding the nature of existence.[49] (4) The five elements are fundamental components of physical existence, originating from the concept of 'antarlakshya'. These elements form the basis of the manifest universe.[50]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) The fundamental substances (earth, water, wind, ether, heat) that are involved in the creation of a new body according to philosophical texts.[51] (2) The fundamental components that are divided into two classes related to Brahman, distinguishing the essence of the immaterial form.[52] (3) The classical elements that are traditionally considered the fundamental components of physical existence in various systems of thought.[53]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Philosophical concept in ancient texts describing the fundamental constituents of the universe, including earth, water, fire, air, and ether.[54] (2) The fundamental components of creation mentioned in the context of the Self creating ether, water, and other essential elements, which are part of the material cosmos.[55]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) Refers to the core concepts in Vedanta philosophy that delineate the fundamental components of the universe, which include space, air, earth, water, and fire.[56] (2) The fundamental components of the physical universe, which include space, air, fire, water, and earth.[57]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) The foundational components created by Ishvara from which all material reality is formed.[58]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The basic components (such as akas) produced from the essence of the mind, which ultimately contribute to the creation of the physical world.[59]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) The primary constituents that are divided and combined to create both gross form and subtle qualities.[60]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The fundamental components of nature, which include water and are integral to the creation and existence of living things.[61]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The basic components that constitute all bodies, irrespective of them being divine or mundane, emphasizing their shared origin.[62]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The fundamental aspects of material existence according to the text.[63] (2) The entire condensed material manifestation.[64] (3) The fundamental components that make up the material world.[65] (4) The fundamental components that constitute the physical body, allowing beings to exist in the material realm.[66] (5) Refers to the material components that constitute the physical world, which the Lord transcends.[67]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) These represent the fundamental components of the physical universe, which at one time are described as having shone before being enclosed within the Lord's creation.[68] (2) The fundamental components that were introduced during the creation of the worlds.[69] (3) The fundamental components of nature—fire, air, water, space, and earth—associated with Lord Krishna's existence.[70] (4) The basic elements of nature that include spatial ether, air, fire, water, and earth.[71]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The components that make up the physical body, considered to be earth, water, fire, air, and ether.[72]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) The fundamental components (earth, water, fire, air, and space) that form the basis of the material universe.[73]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) The core constituents of the physical world (earth, water, fire, air, and space) considered in the context of worship.[74] (2) The basic substances in creation described as primary elements in the context of the Pancaratra, integral to the understanding of the universe.[75]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) The essential proto-elements: ether, air, fire, water, and earth, each exhibiting specific qualities.[76] (2) The basic elements—earth, water, fire, air, and ether—that form the theoretical basis for classifying substances and their qualities.[77]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) The five elements, including earth, are the specific conditions or qualities the Yogi focuses on during the practice of Samyama for their conquest.[78]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) Ether, air, fire, water, and earth - the fundamental components that compose the body according to the sage's teaching.[79]
From: Hitopadesha (English translation)
(1) A metaphorical description of Howl o' Nights' demise when the bow-string slips.[80]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) Traditionally considered foundational substances in Hindu philosophy, specifically referring to Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Akasha, which play roles in understanding the material world.[81]
Jain concept of 'Five element'
The Five Elements in Jainism represent the fundamental constituents—earth, water, fire, wind, and air—forming the universe's foundation and underpinning key philosophical beliefs within the religion.
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) The basic constituents (earth, water, fire, wind, air) that form everything in the universe and serve as a foundation for philosophical belief.[82]
The concept of Five element in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Five element" encompasses the fundamental natural components—Ether, Fire, Water, Air, and Earth—integral to Hindu artistic motifs and cosmology, representing essential forces for both the universe's structure and human survival.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The fundamental components of nature represented in various artistic and symbolic motifs in Hindu tradition.[83] (2) The foundational elements of the universe, which include Ether, Fire, Water, Air, and Earth.[84]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) These are explicitly connected to human physiology and also exist in the “external� world, forming a relationship between macrocosm and microcosm, and food is viewed as a combination of these.[85] (2) The five elements are the main fivefold cluster, and the structure of the mendrup medicine recipe is alluded to, as the ingredients are organized according to the five elements.[86]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) These are water, light, heavens, earth, and air; all these elements were seen by the Brahmans to embody the form of Vitthal.[87]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The five elements are solid, liquid, gaseous, luminous, and ethereal, and after that the state of existence is mental and beyond that spiritual, which is the one existence appearing in all these variations.[88]
The concept of Five element in scientific sources
The keyphrase "Five element" describes the foundational elements in Ayurveda—Akash, Vayu, Agni, Jala, and Prithvi—that comprise the universe, highlighting their significance in understanding natural phenomena and human health.
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) The Five Elements refer to metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, which are used to classify aspects of health and illness in Chinese traditional medicine.[89]