Significance of Mahabhuta
Mahabhuta refers to the five great elements—earth, water, fire, air, and ether—that are fundamental in various philosophical and scientific traditions. These elements are seen as physical constituents of the material world and play significant roles in life and health. In Ayurveda, Mahabhuta influences bodily functions, properties of substances, and helps in understanding health and diagnosis. Recognized across multiple disciplines, Mahabhuta serves as the foundational basis for diverse concepts related to existence and the universe.
Synonyms: Five great elements, Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Ether, Primal elements
In Dutch: Mahabhuta; In Finnish: Mahabhuta; In Spanish: Mahabhuta; In Swedish: Mahabhuta; In Malay: Mahabhuta; In German: Mahabhoot
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Mahabhuta'
Mahabhuta in Buddhism represents the four fundamental elements—earth, fire, air, and water—constituting all material existence, influencing tactile sensations, and serving as foundational conditions for understanding reality and engaging in meditation practices.
From: Patthana Dhamma
(1) The 4 great elements (pathavi, tejo, vayo, and apo) that form the basis of material existence.[1] (2) Great elements, referring to the 4 fundamental elements: earth, fire, air, and water.[2] (3) The four great elements which are pathavi (solidity), tejo (temperature), vayo (supportiveness), and apo (cohesion).[3] (4) The four great elements or fundamental properties that serve as non disappearance conditions for other forms.[4]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) The term for the Great Essentials, which are the four primary elements (earth, water, fire, air) found in all material substances.[5]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The gross primary elements that are foundational for tactile sensations, particularly important in beginner's contemplation.[6]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The four great elements that compose the eye.[7]
Hindu concept of 'Mahabhuta'
Mahabhuta in Hinduism represents the five primordial elements—Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether—that form the foundation of the universe and the physical body, influencing diversity in existence and being central to the Pancaratra teachings.
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The five great elements that are created by Prajapati Brahma.[8] (2) The five great elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether) that comprise the physical body and the material universe.[9]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The primordial elements or foundational substances of the universe.[10]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) The five great elements, namely Akasha (ether), Vayu (air), Agni (fire), Jala (water), and Prithvi (earth).[11] (2) The category of five gross elements that is a central aspect of the Pancaratra teachings.[12]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) The five great elements—Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Ether—each acting independently yet capable of being brought together within a Yantra.[13]
From: Samarangana-sutradhara (Summary)
(1) The five primary elements: earth, water, fire, air, and ether, which are controlled by Yantra.[14]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The five great elements (earth, water, fire, air, space) which the beings in higher lokas have power over.[15]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Primordial elements, which include water (pas), fire (agni), air (vayu), and space (akash), that combine to form the physical body.[16]