Significance of Material element
The concept of Material element across various philosophical frameworks emphasizes the physical aspects of reality, contrasting them with spiritual truths. In Shilpashastra and Vaishnavism, it encompasses the physical components essential for rituals and deity images, misunderstood by superficial believers. Ayurveda and Vedanta identify fundamental elements like earth, water, fire, air, and ether as constituents of the physical universe, highlighting their impermanence. Various texts stress the significance of recognizing the distinction between material substances and spiritual essence, illustrating the interplay between physicality and divinity.
Synonyms: Substance, Matter, Element
In Dutch: Materieel element; In Finnish: Materiaalielementti
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Material element'
The Material element in Buddhism encompasses physical substances observable in existence, termed rupa, which interacts with mental factors, and includes the life force, known as rupa jivitindriya, integral to living beings.
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) Refers to the physical aspect of existence, which includes rupa jivitindriya as the life force within it.[1] (2) The physical aspect of existence, known as rupa, which combines with mental factors to form beings.[2]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) Physical substances that can be observed and interacted with, in contrast to immaterial qualities.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Material element'
The material element in Hinduism encompasses the physical aspects of creation, including the body and the five Mahabhutas, distinguishing tangible substances from spiritual realities, while illustrating the divine presence in the material world.
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Indicates objects that are considered tangible or physical as opposed to spiritual entities.[4] (2) The tangible aspects of the physical world made up of twenty-three components which do not affect the spiritual beings.[5] (3) the five elements (panca-bhautika) that constitute the material body of the practicing devotee[6] (4) Physical substances such as stone, wood, or metal, that people incorrectly consider the essence of the Deity instead of recognizing His divine nature.[7] (5) Physical substances, such as stone or wood, from which Deity images are made and which may be misunderstood by superficial worshippers.[8]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The constituents of the physical world that are considered impermanent and illusory.[9] (2) The physical aspects of the universe that are distinct from the spiritual realities embodied by the Lord.[10] (3) Any worldly or physical aspect that may cause fear or concern, particularly in a spiritual context.[11]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) He is present in the material elements (adhibhuta), showing His presence in the physical world.[12]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The aspects of creation, including the body and other components that are not spiritual in nature.[13]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The material element signifies the usual understanding of 'ether' as a physical substance, which the text questions in relation to the concept of Brahman.[14] (2) The physical components of creation, which illustrate the concept of return to a fundamental substance, akin to the soul's reunion with Brahman.[15]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) All the physical components of the universe, which, in conjunction with other spiritual beings, make up the body of Parabrahman.[16]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) The sky, air, fire, water, and earth are considered as the materials out of which the gross body has been formed.[17]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Physical components that are claimed to be absent according to the spiritualist perspective.[18] (2) Elements that comprise the physical world, contrasted with the spiritual essence.[19]
From: Nyayakusumanjali of Udayana (study)
(1) Material element (bhuta) is one of the various conceptions of the first cause of the world, suggesting physical reality as foundational.[20] (2) The components that combine and undergo transformation to produce the body, which is argued by Carvaka to be conscious when arranged in a specific way.[21]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) The five Mahabhutas, which constitute the fundamental physical components of existence.[22]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The five constituent substances that make up the body, which are said to dissolve into subtle particles after the suffering experienced.[23]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 1: Sutrasthana
(1) The fundamental components such as sky, air, fire, water, and earth that possess specific properties and are interdependent.[24]
From: Vishnudharmottara Purana (Art and Architecture)
(1) The physical aspects, such as costumes and makeup, that are essential to the performance of Sanskrit dramas.[25]