Significance of Six Elements
The Six Elements in various philosophical and spiritual traditions denote fundamental components of existence. In Buddhism, these include earth, water, fire, air, space, and consciousness. Vaishnavism emphasizes them in the context of love and romance. Ayurveda outlines them as elements constituting man and the basis of diseases, encompassing earth, water, light, air, ether, and consciousness. Mahayana presents them as a unified set that includes stable and unstable elements. Theravada highlights the importance of space and consciousness for achieving liberation.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Six Elements'
The Six Elements in Buddhism encompass the five physical elements—earth, water, fire, air, ether—and wisdom, illustrating a comprehensive perspective on existence, while emphasizing non-attachment to these elements for spiritual liberation.
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The stable and unstable elements (earth, water, fire, wind, emptiness, and seeing) considered as a unified set that pervades the dharma-realm.[1] (2) Earth, water, fire, wind, emptiness, and seeing, which are foundational elements discussed in the text, with consciousness being the seventh element.[2]
From: The gods of northern Buddhism
(1) The five physical elements (earth, water, fire, air, ether) along with wisdom (manas), representing a holistic view of existence.[3]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Elements that comprise the human body, contributing to the understanding of physical existence.[4]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) Including space and consciousness, these are emphasized in the Anathapindikovada Sutta as things not to attach to for liberation.[5]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life
(1) A classification of elements including the elements of extension, cohesion, radiation, mobility, space, and consciousness.[6]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The fundamental components that contribute to the existence of sentient beings, including earth, water, fire, air, space, and consciousness.[7]
Hindu concept of 'Six Elements'
The Six Elements in Hinduism encompass the five proto-elements—earth, water, fire, air, ether—and consciousness, representing the foundation of existence, individual composition, disease origins, and even the essence of love and romance.
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) The components that make up man, which include ether, four proto-elements, and the element of consciousness.[8] (2) The components that make up man, which include earth, water, light, air, ether, and the immaterial self.[9] (3) The components that the individual and diseases are said to arise from, which includes five proto-elements and consciousness.[10]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) The fundamental components of existence, which include the five proto-elements (earth, water, fire, air, ether) and the conscious element representing man.[11]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Refers to the essential components required to engage in the arts related to love and romance, particularly those associated with Cupid.[12]