Significance of Fire Element
The Fire Element in various Buddhist traditions plays a significant role in life and metaphysical beliefs. In Tibetan Buddhism, it is essential for producing sap and interacts with Earth and water elements. Purana describes it as a destructive force that dominates and consumes. In Mahayana, the Fire Element, or tejas, is praised for its transformative power and is seen as superior to water. Theravada associates it with heat and digestion, emphasizing its importance in both physical and spiritual existence.
Synonyms: Heat element, Flame, Blaze, Inferno, Conflagration
In Dutch: Vuur Element; In Finnish: Tuli 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 'Fire Element'
The Fire Element in Buddhism, known as tejas, symbolizes power and transformation, influencing warmth, digestion, and elemental balance, while representing mastery over destruction and illumination, pivotal in both physical and spiritual realms.
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) Marked by heat, it plays a crucial role in cooking and sustaining components of the body.[1] (2) A fundamental aspect of temperature that influences the nature of materiality, classified into hot and cold types.[2] (3) The element associated with heat and maturation, responsible for warmth, aging, burning sensation, and digestion in the body.[3]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A physical element that embodies change and is an integral part of existence in Buddhist cosmology.[4]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) This element is used symbolically to represent qualities like transformation and energy within the context of the Lord's acts and his psychic capabilities.[5]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The fire element (tejas) is regarded as the greatest due to its lack of odor and taste, its destructive power over water, and its ability to burn and illuminate.[6] (2) One of the elements attained during the twin miracle where the Bhagavat's body emits various glows and flames.[7] (3) The fire element termed tejas, holds a superior position over water due to its potency, though it lacks odor and taste.[8]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The form the Exalted One took to confront the Naga within the fire-hut, demonstrating his mastery over elements.[9]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Ucchushma, associated with the fire element, represents a powerful force in Buddhist teachings and symbolizes desire and its transformative potential.[10]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) An essential element that, when combined with the Earth-element and water-element, plays a role in producing the sap.[11]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) One of the elemental contemplations practiced to purify and transform the mind, signified by visualization practices involving the syllable RAM.[12]
From: The Six Yogas of Naropa
(1) When the fire-element subsides into the air-element, it leads to a decrease in bodily warmth and the experience of seeing a tiny light.[13]
Hindu concept of 'Fire Element'
The Fire Element in Hinduism signifies a transformative force overpowering other elements, essential for life and digestion, associated with Aghora, and considered one of the five primary, all-pervasive elements originating from existence.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) One of the five elements associated with heat and energy in living beings.[14] (2) One aspect of Mahadeva's nature associated with destruction and purification, revered as a significant form of energy.[15] (3) The primal element that becomes extinguished if food is not ingested, integral to the workings of life and digestion.[16]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The transformative force that results from the destruction of water, leading fire to dominate and consume all other elements.[17]
From: Linga Purana
(1) The aspect associated with Aghora, indicating its nature and significance.[18]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) One of the five primary elements, viewed as all-pervasive and originating from everything.[19]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) An elemental state that arises after the destruction of the water element, spreading throughout the universe.[20]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) A proto-element linked to qualities like heat and lightness, influencing the characteristics of tasted substances.[21]