SN14:30 Four Elements
- fdg sc © Translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu Bodhi. (More copyright information)
1On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Sāvatthī in Jeta's Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's Park … . |
"Bhikkhus, there are these four elements. What four? The earth element, the water element, the heat element, the air element. These are the four elements."[n.247] Spk interprets each element by way of its physical characteristic or function: the earth element is the foundational element (patiṭṭhādhātu); the water element, the cohesive element (ābandhanadhātu); the fire element, the maturing element (paripācanadhātu); and the air element, the distensive element vitthambhanadhātu. For a more detailed treatment according to the commentarial method, see Vism 364–70 (Ppn 11:85–117). |