Significance of Four great elements
The Four great elements, fundamental in Buddhist philosophy, consist of earth, water, fire, and air. These elements serve as the basic constituents of physical existence, illustrating the transitory nature of matter and life. They are integral to various aspects of Buddhist teachings, including cosmology and meditation. Each element represents different traits that combine to form all physical phenomena, emphasizing their importance in understanding existence, materiality, and the relationship between body and consciousness in both Mahayana and Theravada traditions.
Synonyms: Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Four essential elements
In Dutch: Vier grote elementen; In Finnish: Nelj盲 hienoa elementti盲; In Spanish: Cuatro grandes elementos
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Four great elements'
In Buddhism, the Four Great Elements鈥攅arth, water, fire, and air鈥攁re fundamental constituents of physical existence, forming the basis of matter and illustrating the transitory nature of all forms and the essence of reality in meditation practices.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The foundational components (mahabhuta) of material existence which are earth, water, fire, and wind, each exhibiting traits that combine to form various phenomena.[1] (2) The fundamental components (earth, water, fire, air) that, when assembled, create visible form but become nonexistent when separated.[2] (3) The foundational components that, when combined, contribute to the formation of a body, illustrating the transitory nature of existence.[3] (4) The foundational components from which various things arise, including the eye and ear.[4] (5) The philosophical concept referring to the fundamental components that constitute the body, namely earth, water, fire, and air.[5]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The foundational components of matter in Buddhist cosmology, typically referring to earth, water, fire, and air.[6] (2) The fundamental components recognized in Buddhism, being earth, water, fire, and air, that are linked to existence and experience.[7] (3) The basic constituents of physical existence, traditionally identified as earth, water, fire, and air in Buddhist philosophy.[8] (4) The foundational components that make up physical existence in Buddhist cosmology.[9] (5) The fundamental components of existence, referring to earth, water, fire, and air, central to understanding form and matter.[10]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) The essential nature of matter, consisting of earth, water, fire, and air, foundational to the understanding of materiality.[11] (2) Fundamental aspects of existence that can be discerned in meditation practices; here, contrasted with the more challenging meditation on the bloated corpse.[12] (3) Fundamental constituents of reality that, when viewed through the lens of terror, appear like venomous snakes signifying danger.[13]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Earth, water, fire, and wind, which are fundamental components of Buddhist cosmology and meditation practices.[14] (2) The fundamental elements (earth, water, fire, air) that constitute the physical aspects of existence explored in meditation.[15]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) Another subject of the Buddha's teaching given in the Maharahulovada Sutta, relating to the fundamental constituents of the physical world.[16] (2) Fundamental constituents of matter explored in the Rupa Kanda, analyzed for their properties and relationships.[17]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The fundamental elements (pathavi, apo, tejo, vayo) that form the basis of physical existence.[18]
Hindu concept of 'Four great elements'
In Hinduism, the Four great elements鈥攅arth, water, fire, and wind鈥攁re viewed as essential components of existence, influencing both the material world and spiritual understanding, reflecting interconnectedness in life and its processes.
From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)
(1) The fundamental components of existence in Buddhist philosophy, including earth, water, fire, and wind.[19]
The concept of Four great elements in local and regional sources
The "Four great elements" refer to fundamental entities identified by Ibn Sina as life-less components of the sub-lunar world, representing critical stations where life and death are determined by their influence.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This early medical concept encompasses the dynamics of the four great elements, which is fundamental.[20] (2) According to Ibn Sina, these are also the only entities in the sub-lunar world that are life-less, and the stations where life and death hang in balance are clearly identified with one or the other of these life-less elements.[21]