Pṛthivī
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Pṛthivī (P. paṭhavī; T. sa; C. dida 地大) translates as earth or ground. It is also called pṛthivīdhātu (earth element). It is identified as one of the four primary elements (mahābhūta).
Pṛthivī (earth) has the property of solidity.
Pali tradition
A Comprehensive Manual of Abhidhamma states:
- The earth element is so called because, like the earth, it serves as a support or foundation for the coexisting material phenomena. The word paṭhavī comes from a root meaning to expand or spread out, and thus the earth element represents the principle of extension.[1]
Sanskrit tradition
The Khenjuk states:
- The earth element is solidity and its function is to support.[2]
Notes
- ↑ Bhikkhu Bodhi 2000, s.v. The earth element.
- ↑ Mipham Rinpoche 2004, s.v. The Aggregate of Forms.
Sources
Bhikkhu Bodhi, ed. (2000), A Comprehensive Manual of Abhidhamma, Pariyatti Publishing- Mipham Rinpoche (2004), Gateway to Knowledge, vol. I, translated by Kunsang, Erik Pema, Rangjung Yeshe Publications
External links
sa, Rangjung Yeshe Wiki