Mahābhūta

Buddhism


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Mahābhūta is Sanskrit and Pāli for "great element."[1] In Buddhism, the "four great elements" (Pali: cattāro mahābhūtāni) are earth, water, fire and air. Hinduism adds a fifth "great" or "gross" element: ether.

References

  1. Or, more literally, "Great Natures." See Rhys Davids & Stede (1921–25), p. 507, entry for "Bhūta."[permanent dead link]

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