Significance of Water Element
The Water Element is a significant concept across various traditions, including Tibetan Buddhism, Ayurveda, and Mahayana teachings. In Tibetan Buddhism, it represents bodily sensations and purification, while in Ayurveda, it embodies qualities like fluidity and taste. The Purana highlights it as a primal element essential for life, linking it to moisture and transformation. Mahayana views the Water Element as a symbol of unity, and Theravada emphasizes its role in cohesion and impermanence. Overall, the Water Element is crucial in understanding both physical existence and spiritual concepts.
Synonyms: Aqueous element, Liquid element
In Dutch: Waterelement; In Finnish: Vesi 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 'Water Element'
The Water Element in Buddhism symbolizes impermanence and unity, influencing life through cohesion and fluidity. It embodies purity, essential bodily fluids, and plays a vital role in meditative practices, linking physical and spiritual experiences.
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) Defined by the characteristic of trickling, serving as a binding force among elements.[1] (2) The element associated with cohesion and fluidity, comprising bodily fluids such as bile, phlegm, blood, sweat, and tears.[2]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Another fundamental physical element considered impermanent, influencing life and experiences in Buddhist philosophy.[3]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) Refers to Apo Dhatu, underscoring its importance in maintaining cohesion among substances.[4]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Another primary component that, when mixed with the Earth-element, contributes to the formation of the sap within the seed.[5]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) Another elemental visualization representing purification and abundance, linked to the syllable KHAM in meditative practices.[6]
From: The Six Yogas of Naropa
(1) The water-element subsides into the fire-element, resulting in bodily sensations such as thirst and a burning feeling.[7]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The water element known as ap-, is considered superior to earth due to its movement, despite having no taste.[8]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) A significant aspect of the sutra and commentary, symbolizing unity and the essence behind both the physical body and the external environment.[9]
Hindu concept of 'Water Element'
In Hinduism, the Water Element is one of the five primal elements, symbolizing moisture, taste, and fluidity. It transforms into fire and is essential for life; its absence results in dryness and a lack of nourishment.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) One of the five elements that relates to moisture and the capacity for taste in living beings.[10] (2) One of the five primal elements whose absence leads to dryness when food is not consumed.[11]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) The foundational element that fills everything, which undergoes transformation into the fiery element.[12]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Represents the Apya tattva, the fundamental element associated with creation and sustenance in spiritual contexts.[13]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) A proto-element associated with qualities such as fluidity and unctuousness, affecting the nature and taste of substances.[14]