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The Four Great Elements - List

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The Four Elements are elements used in Buddhist texts to help explain part of the concept of suffering (dukkha) and can be used as an object of meditation.

The Four Great Elements - ListThe Four Great Elements - ListThe Four Great Elements - ListThe Four Great Elements - List
The Four Great Elements - List

These four elements are referenced indirectly from Four Noble Truths which talk about as well as other things, suffering (dukkha) originating from the 5 Aggregates (Forms, Feelings, Perceptions, Prejudices and reactions to the senses).
These four elements are the cause and condition for the discernibility of the form aggregate.
One, instead of concentrating on the fact of material existence, observes how a physical things are sensed, felt, and perceived.
Often a fifth element of space is added which then make the five elements or sixth of consciousness.
The elements are language that describe a spectrum of energy, from form to emptiness or earth to space.

The Four Great Elements

01. Earth. (pruṭhavī-dhātu)

Represents the sensory nature of solidity, hardness, roughness, heaviness, softness, smoothness, lightness. Parts of the body can be represented by this element such as bones.

02. Water. (āpa-dhātu)

Represents the sensory nature of fluidity, flowing and cohesion. Parts of the body can be represented by this element such as blood.

03. Fire. (teja-dhātu)

Represents the sensory nature of temperature, heat and coldness. Parts of the body can be represented by this element such as the digestive system with its digestion.

04. Air or Wind. (vāyu-dhātu)

Represents the sensory nature of mobility, supporting or pushing. Parts of the body can be represented by this element such as the airway and its breath.

Synonyms/tags: the four great primaries, buddhist elements, mahābhūta, the four great existents, catudhātu, cattāro mahābhūtāni, five elements




Or, per your interest, look at other related links;

  4 Noble Truths.
  5 Skandha.

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