Significance of Earth Element
The Earth Element is significant in various Buddhist traditions, each offering unique perspectives. In Tibetan Buddhism, it contributes to the creation of substances. Purana views it as a vulnerable aspect of life, susceptible to suffering and decay. Mahayana identifies it as prithivi, possessing sensory qualities but lacking inherent activity. Theravada emphasizes its hardness and support as a foundation for other elements, including bodily components, while recognizing its impermanence alongside water, fire, and wind in Buddhist teachings.
Synonyms: Soil, Ground, Land, Dirt, Nature, Rock, Geology, Earth
In Dutch: Aarde-element; In Finnish: Maan elementti
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Earth Element'
The Earth Element in Buddhism, or prithivi, embodies qualities like solidity and impermanence, serving as a foundational support for other elements and representing physical attributes such as hardness, color, and taste in a transient existence.
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) Characterized by hardness, the foundational element acting as support for the other three elements.[1] (2) The element characterized by stiffness and hardness, which includes parts such as head hairs, body hairs, teeth, nails, and various solid components of the body.[2]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) One of the four physical elements (earth, water, fire, wind) that are often regarded as impermanent and subject to change in Buddhist teachings.[3]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) Another term for Pathavi Dhatu, signifying its role as a fundamental component in the support of matter.[4]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) One of the components in the seed that mingles with other elements to produce a substance in the shape of the sap.[5]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) The foundational element in meditative practices representing stability and grounding, linked to Vairocana and the visualization of his heart-centre.[6]
From: The Six Yogas of Naropa
(1) In the process of dying, the earth-element is one of the elements that subsides, leading to feelings of immobility in the dying person.[7]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The earth element referred to as prithivi, possesses qualities such as color, odor, taste, and offers no inherent activity.[8]
Hindu concept of 'Earth Element'
The Earth Element in Hinduism symbolizes the core essence of life, illustrating its fragility through susceptibility to diseases and suffering, emphasizing the transient nature of existence.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) One of the five elements that constitutes the solid aspects of living entities, including flesh and bones.[9] (2) The fundamental element that can break apart due to diseases, wounds, and suffering, marking the fragility of life.[10]
From: Linga Purana
(1) The densest of the five great elements, possessing all five attributes of sound, touch, form, taste, and smell.[11]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The components (space, air, fire, etc.) that are shared by both the human body and the earth, signifying their fundamental connection.[12]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) One of the five proto-elements, contributing specific qualities such as heaviness and stability to substances based on their nature.[13]