Significance of Primary element
The concept of the Primary element is significant in both Purana and Vedanta. In Purana, it denotes the essential substance that gives rise to life and returns to it during Prakritika dissolution. Conversely, Vedanta interprets the Primary element as the basic components of matter, which are classified as five elements: Akasha (space), Vayu (air), Agni (fire), Apas (water), and Prithvi (earth). Both perspectives highlight the foundational aspects of existence in their philosophical frameworks.
Synonyms: Principal factor, Essential part, Principal part, Essential element
In Dutch: Primair element
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Primary element'
In Buddhism, Primary elements represent fundamental physical constituents, such as solidity and motion, that serve as the basis for materiality and are essential in the meditator's examination of reality, as analyzed in Rupa Kanda.
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) The fundamental physical constituents that are considered the basis for materiality in a meditator’s examination.[1]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The foundational physical entities including solidity (pathavi) and motion (apo) from which secondary phenomena arise.[2]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) The foundational components of matter analyzed in Rupa Kanda.[3]
From: Abhidharmakośa
(1) The elements are the earth component and the components of water, fire, and air.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Primary element'
In Hinduism, the Primary element signifies both the original substance of life that cycles through creation and dissolution, and the five essential components of matter: Akasha, Vayu, fire, water, and earth, as outlined in Vedic philosophy.
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) Realities acknowledged by shruti as the root of all material existence, counted to be five.[5]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The five fundamental components referenced, which are considered the essential and basic building blocks of material existence.[6]
From: Samarangana-sutradhara (Summary)
(1) The fundamental components of existence in this context, which include earth, water, fire, air, and ether; they are referred to as the four Bhutas.[7]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The fundamental substance from which life originates and eventually resolves back into during Prakritika dissolution.[8]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) Elements that retain their original form and are not subordinated, but rather serve as the basis for the secondary elements.[9]