Significance of Five elements
Synonyms: Five components, Five parts, Five factors, Five substances
In Dutch: Vijf elementen; In Finnish: Viisi elementtiä; In Spanish: Cinco elementos; In German: Fünf Elemente
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Five elements'
In Buddhism, the Five Elements encompass the Pancaskandha or five aggregates: form, feeling, perception, mental formations, and consciousness, which collectively shape human existence as taught by the Buddha.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Pancaskandha refers to the five aggregates (form, feeling, perception, mental formations, and consciousness) that constitute human existence, which the Buddha teaches about.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Five elements'
In Hinduism, the Five Elements—earth, water, fire, air, and ether—serve as fundamental components of the universe and life, embodying unique attributes that influence creation, existence, and the interplay of the material world.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The foundational components of nature—Earth, Wind, Space, Water, Fire—that can be mastered through yoga.[2] (2) The five primal components created by Brahman, consisting of space, fire, water, earth, and wind, which are the foundation of all mobile and immobile objects in the universe.[3] (3) A reference to the fundamental components that create life and existence, often linked to earthly and cosmological concepts.[4] (4) Earth, Wind, Ether, Water, and Light are the fundamental components associated with life and the physical body.[5] (5) Basic components of reality in Hindu philosophy: fire, air, earth, water, and sky, highlighting their significance in life.[6]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The fundamental components of nature, which include earth, air, fire, water, and ether.[7] (2) Refers to the fundamental components of nature that form the physical body, questioning why men are attached to what is ultimately transient and illusory.[8]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) A philosophical concept referring to the fundamental components of life, suggesting the concept of life and death in this context.[9] (2) A philosophical concept referencing the natural components of life, to which the deceased consort returns after death.[10]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The fundamental components of creation � akasa (ether), Vayu (air), fire, water, and earth, created by the Devi.[11]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) These include prana, mind, water, fire, and earth, all of which derive their existence from the purusha and become attributes that influence experience.[12]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The foundational aspects of material existence mentioned in relation to the gross and subtle elements comprising the universe.[13]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The entire condensed material manifestation that consists of the basic elements of nature.[14]
The concept of Five elements in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Five elements" relates to the notion that these elements symbolize forces manipulated by Western powers, likening them to puppets under control, as explained by Swamiji, highlighting a critique of external influence.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) These are the elements that the Westerners' power makes play like puppets in their hands, according to Swamiji.[15]