Other World Creatures

8/13/2019 Other World Creatures

1/16

MahbhtaFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[hide]

Classical Elements

vde

Babylonian

Sky

Sea Wind

Earth

Greek

Air

Water Aether Fire

Earth

Hinduism (Tattva)and

Buddhism (Mahbhta)

Vayu/Pavan(Air/Wind)

Ap/Jal(Water) Akasha(Aether/Space) Agni/Tejas(Fire)

Prithvi/Bhumi(Earth)

Chinese (Wuxing)

Wood()

Water() Fire()

Metal() Earth()
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABtahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABtahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABtahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_elementhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_elementhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Classic_elementhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Classic_elementhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Classic_elementhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Classic_elementhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Classic_elementhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Classic_elementhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Classic_elementhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Template:Classic_element&action=edithttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Template:Classic_element&action=edithttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Template:Classic_element&action=edithttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_element#Classical_elements_in_Babyloniahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_element#Classical_elements_in_Babyloniahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aether_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aether_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_element#Classical_elements_in_Greecehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_element#Classical_elements_in_Greecehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aether_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aether_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tattvahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tattvahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vayuhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vayuhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ap_(water)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ap_(water)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akashahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akashahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prithvihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhuma_Devihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhuma_Devihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhuma_Devihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wu_Xinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wu_Xinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tree_(Wu_Xing)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tree_(Wu_Xing)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_(Wu_Xing)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_(Wu_Xing)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_(Wu_Xing)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_(Wu_Xing)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal_(Wu_Xing)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal_(Wu_Xing)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_(Wu_Xing)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_(Wu_Xing)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_(Wu_Xing)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal_(Wu_Xing)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_(Wu_Xing)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_(Wu_Xing)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tree_(Wu_Xing)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wu_Xinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhuma_Devihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prithvihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akashahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ap_(water)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vayuhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tattvahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aether_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_element#Classical_elements_in_Greecehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aether_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_element#Classical_elements_in_Babyloniahttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Template:Classic_element&action=edithttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Classic_elementhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Classic_elementhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_elementhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta


2/16

Japanese (Godai)

Air/Wind()

Water() Void/Sky/Heaven(

)

Fire()

Earth()

Tibetan (Bn)

Air

Water Space Fire

Earth

Medieval Alchemy

Air

Water Aether Fire

Earth

Sulphur Mercury Salt

Part of aserieson

Buddhism

OutlinePortal

History

TimelineCouncils

Gautama Buddha

Disciples

Later Buddhists

DharmaorConcepts
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_elements_(Japanese_philosophy)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_elements_(Japanese_philosophy)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aether_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aether_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C3%B6nhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C3%B6nhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spacehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spacehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_element#Elements_in_Medieval_alchemyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_element#Elements_in_Medieval_alchemyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aether_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aether_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulfurhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulfurhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt_(chemistry)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt_(chemistry)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outline_of_Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outline_of_Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_councilshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_councilshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_councilshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gautama_Buddhahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gautama_Buddhahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Disciples_of_the_Buddhahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Disciples_of_the_Buddhahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Buddhistshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Buddhistshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharma_(Buddhism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharma_(Buddhism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_terms_and_conceptshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_terms_and_conceptshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_terms_and_conceptshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dharma_Wheel.svghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_terms_and_conceptshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharma_(Buddhism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Buddhistshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Disciples_of_the_Buddhahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gautama_Buddhahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_councilshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outline_of_Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt_(chemistry)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulfurhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aether_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_element#Elements_in_Medieval_alchemyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spacehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C3%B6nhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aether_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_(classical_element)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_elements_(Japanese_philosophy)


3/16

Four Noble Truths

Dependent Origination

Impermanence

SufferingMiddle WayNon-selfEmptiness

Five Aggregates

KarmaRebirth

SamsaraCosmology

Practices

Three Jewels

PreceptsPerfections

MeditationWisdom

Noble Eightfold Path

Wings to Awakening

MonasticismLaity

irvFour StagesArhat

BuddhaBodhisattva

TraditionsCanons

TheravdaPali

MahynaChinese

VajraynaTibetan

CountriesandRegions

Related topics

Comparative studies

Cultural elements

Criticism

vde

MahbhtaisSanskritandPlifor "great element."[1]

InBuddhism,the "four great

elements" (Pali: cattro mahbhtni) are earth, water, fire and air.Hinduismadds

a fifth "great" or "gross" element: ether.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Noble_Truthshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Noble_Truthshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prat%C4%ABtyasamutp%C4%81dahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prat%C4%ABtyasamutp%C4%81dahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impermanencehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impermanencehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dukkhahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dukkhahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_wayhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_wayhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_wayhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anattahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anattahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%9A%C5%ABnyat%C4%81http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%9A%C5%ABnyat%C4%81http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%9A%C5%ABnyat%C4%81http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skandhahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skandhahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karma_in_Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karma_in_Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebirth_(Buddhism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebirth_(Buddhism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebirth_(Buddhism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sa%E1%B9%83s%C4%81ra_(Buddhism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sa%E1%B9%83s%C4%81ra_(Buddhism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_cosmologyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_cosmologyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_cosmologyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Threefold_Traininghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Threefold_Traininghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Jewelshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Jewelshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%9A%C4%ABlahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%9A%C4%ABlahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C4%81ramit%C4%81http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C4%81ramit%C4%81http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C4%81ramit%C4%81http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_meditationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_meditationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wisdom_in_Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wisdom_in_Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wisdom_in_Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noble_Eightfold_Pathhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noble_Eightfold_Pathhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodhipakkhiy%C4%81dhamm%C4%81http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodhipakkhiy%C4%81dhamm%C4%81http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_monasticismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_monasticismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Householder_(Buddhism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Householder_(Buddhism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Householder_(Buddhism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nirvanahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_stages_of_enlightenmenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_stages_of_enlightenmenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arhathttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arhathttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arhathttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhahoodhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhahoodhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodhisattvahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodhisattvahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodhisattvahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schools_of_Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schools_of_Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_textshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_textshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_textshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theravadahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theravadahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pali_Canonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pali_Canonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pali_Canonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahayanahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahayanahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Buddhist_canonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Buddhist_canonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Buddhist_canonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vajrayanahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vajrayanahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibetan_Buddhist_canonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibetan_Buddhist_canonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibetan_Buddhist_canonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_by_countryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_by_countryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_by_regionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_by_regionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_by_regionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Index_of_Buddhism-related_articleshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Index_of_Buddhism-related_articleshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Comparative_Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Comparative_Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_elements_of_Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_elements_of_Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Template:Buddhism&action=edithttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Template:Buddhism&action=edithttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Template:Buddhism&action=edithttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Template:Buddhism&action=edithttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanskrithttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanskrithttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanskrithttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C4%81lihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C4%81lihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C4%81lihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C4%81lihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanskrithttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Template:Buddhism&action=edithttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_elements_of_Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Comparative_Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Index_of_Buddhism-related_articleshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_by_regionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_by_countryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibetan_Buddhist_canonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vajrayanahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Buddhist_canonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahayanahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pali_Canonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theravadahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_textshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schools_of_Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodhisattvahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhahoodhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arhathttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_stages_of_enlightenmenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nirvanahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Householder_(Buddhism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_monasticismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodhipakkhiy%C4%81dhamm%C4%81http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noble_Eightfold_Pathhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wisdom_in_Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_meditationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C4%81ramit%C4%81http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%9A%C4%ABlahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Jewelshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Threefold_Traininghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_cosmologyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sa%E1%B9%83s%C4%81ra_(Buddhism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebirth_(Buddhism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karma_in_Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skandhahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%9A%C5%ABnyat%C4%81http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anattahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_wayhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dukkhahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impermanencehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prat%C4%ABtyasamutp%C4%81dahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Noble_Truths


4/16

Contents

[hide]

1 Hinduism

2 Buddhism

o 2.1 Definitions

2.1.1 Four primary elements

2.1.2 Fifth and sixth elements

o 2.2 Sensory qualities, not substances

o 2.3 Soteriological uses

2.3.1 Understanding suffering

2.3.2 Meditation object

o 2.4 Buddhist sources

3 See also

4 Notes

5 Bibliography

[edit]Hinduism

Further information:The 36 tattvas

In Hinduism's sacred literature, the "great" or "gross" elements (mahbhta) are

fivefold: space (or "ether"), air, fire, water and earth.[2]

For instance, theTaittiryaUpaniaddescribes the five "sheaths" of a person

(Sanskrit:purua), starting with the grossest level of the five evolving great

elements:

From this very self (tman)did space come into being; from space, air; from

air, fire; from fire, the waters, from the waters, the earth; from the earth,

plants; from plants, food; and from food, man.... Different from and lying within

this man formed from the essence of food is the self (tman) consisting oflifebreath.... Different from and lying within this self consisting of breath is the

self (tman) consisting of mind.... Different from and lying within this self

consisting of mind is the self (tman) consisting of perception.... Different from

and lying within this self consisting of perception is the self (tman) consisting

of bliss....[3]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABtahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABtahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABtahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#Hinduismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#Hinduismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#Definitionshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#Definitionshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#Four_primary_elementshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#Four_primary_elementshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#Fifth_and_sixth_elementshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#Fifth_and_sixth_elementshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#Sensory_qualities.2C_not_substanceshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#Sensory_qualities.2C_not_substanceshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#Soteriological_useshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#Soteriological_useshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#Understanding_sufferinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#Understanding_sufferinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#Meditation_objecthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#Meditation_objecthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#Buddhist_sourceshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#Buddhist_sourceshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#See_alsohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#See_alsohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#Noteshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#Noteshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#Bibliographyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#Bibliographyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_36_tattvashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_36_tattvashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_36_tattvashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taittiriya_Upanishadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taittiriya_Upanishadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taittiriya_Upanishadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purushahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purushahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purushahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purushahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purushahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atman_(Hinduism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atman_(Hinduism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atman_(Hinduism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atman_(Hinduism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atman_(Hinduism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purushahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taittiriya_Upanishadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_36_tattvashttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#Bibliographyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#Noteshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#See_alsohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#Buddhist_sourceshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#Meditation_objecthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#Understanding_sufferinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#Soteriological_useshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#Sensory_qualities.2C_not_substanceshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#Fifth_and_sixth_elementshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#Four_primary_elementshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#Definitionshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#Hinduismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta


5/16

In thevetvataraUpaniad,God is identified as the source of the great

elements:

Some wise men say it is inherent nature, while others say it is time all

totally deluded. It is rather the greatness of God present in the world by

means of which this wheel ofbrahmangoes around. Who always

encompasses this whole world the knower, the architect of time, the one

without qualities, and the all-knowing one it is at his command that the

work of creation, to be conceived of as earth, water, fire, air, and space,

unfolds itself.[4]

[edit]Buddhism

In Buddhism, the four Great Elements (Pali: cattro mahbhtni) are earth,

water, fire and air. Mahbhta is generally synonymous withcatudhtu,which is Pli for the "Four Elements."

[5]In earlyBuddhism,the Four

Elements are a basis for understanding and for liberating oneself from

suffering. They are categories used to relate to the sensible physical world,

and are conceived of not as substances, but as sensorial qualities.[6]

[edit]Definitions

In thePali canon,[7]

the most basic elements are usually identified as four in

number but, on occasion, a fifth and, to an even lesser extent, a sixth

element may be also be identified.

[edit]Four primary elements

In canonical texts, the four Great Elements refer to elements that are both

"external" (that is, outside the body, such as a river) and "internal" (that is,

of the body, such as blood). These elements are described as follows:

Earth element(pahav-dhtu)

Internal earth elements include head hair, body hair, nails, teeth, skin,

flesh, sinews, bone, organs, intestinal material, etc.[8]

Water (or liquid) element(po-dhtu)

Internal water elements include bile, phlegm, pus, blood, sweat, fat,

tears, nasal mucus, urine, etc.[9]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shvetashvatara_Upanishadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shvetashvatara_Upanishadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shvetashvatara_Upanishadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-3http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-3http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-3http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=2http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=2http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-4http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-4http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-4http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-5http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-5http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-5http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=3http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=3http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=3http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pali_canonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pali_canonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-6http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-6http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-6http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=4http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=4http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=4http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-7http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-7http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-7http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-8http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-8http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-8http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-8http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-7http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=4http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-6http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pali_canonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=3http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-5http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-4http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-3http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shvetashvatara_Upanishad


6/16

Fire element(tejo-dhtu)

Internal fire elements include those bodily mechanisms that produce

physical warmth, aging, digestion, etc.

Air (or wind) element(vyo-dhtu)Internal air elements includes air associated with the pulmonary system

(for example, for breathing), the intestinal system ("winds in the belly

and ... bowels"), etc.

These four elements are described as "primary" or "underived" (no-upd)

matter (rpa), meaning that they cannot be analyzed into further atomistic

units. While underived, this does not mean that they are

"unconditioned."[10]

Thus, for instance, according to the 5thc.

CEcommentarialVisuddhimagga,"as to the proximate cause, each[element] has the other three as its proximate cause."

[11]

[edit]Fifth and sixth elements

In addition to the above four elements of underived matter, two other

elements are occasionally found in the Pali Canon:[12]

Space element(ksa-dhtu)

Internal space elements includes bodily orifices such as the ears,

nostrils, mouth, anus, etc.

Consciousness element(via-dhtu)

Described as "pure and bright" (parisuddhapariyodta), used to

cognize the three feelings (vedana)of pleasure, pain and neither-

pleasure-nor-pain, and the arising and passing of the sense contact

(phassa)upon which these feelings are dependent.

According to theAbhidhamma Pitaka,the "space element" is identified as

"secondary" or "derived" (upd).[13]

[edit]Sensory qualities, not substances

Rpa(matter) means both materiality and sensibilityit signifies, for

example, a tactile object both insofar as that object is tactile and that it can

be sensed. Rpa is never a materiality which can be separated or isolated

from cognizance; such a non-empirical category is incongruous in the
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-9http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-9http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-9http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atthakathahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atthakathahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visuddhimaggahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visuddhimaggahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visuddhimaggahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-10http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-10http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-10http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=5http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=5http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=5http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-11http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-11http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-11http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vij%C3%B1%C4%81nahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vij%C3%B1%C4%81nahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vij%C3%B1%C4%81nahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vij%C3%B1%C4%81nahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vij%C3%B1%C4%81nahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedanahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedanahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedanahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phassahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phassahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phassahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abhidhamma_Pitakahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abhidhamma_Pitakahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abhidhamma_Pitakahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-12http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-12http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-12http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=6http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=6http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=6http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R%C5%ABpahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R%C5%ABpahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R%C5%ABpahttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=6http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-12http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abhidhamma_Pitakahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phassahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedanahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vij%C3%B1%C4%81nahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-11http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=5http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-10http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visuddhimaggahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atthakathahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-9


7/16

context of early Buddhism. Rpa is not a substratum or substance which

has sensibility as a property. It functions in early Buddhist thought as

perceivable physicality. Matter, or rpa, is defined in terms of its function;

what it does, not what it is.[14]

As such, the four great elements are

conceptual abstractions drawn from the sensorium. They are sensorial

typologies, and are not metaphysically materialistic.[15]

They are not meant

to give an account of matter as constitutive of external, mind-independent

reality.[16]

[edit]Soteriological uses

The Four Elements are used inBuddhisttexts to both elucidate the concept

of suffering (dukkha)and as an object of meditation. The earliest Buddhist

texts explain that the four primary material elements are the sensory

qualities solidity, fluidity, temperature, and mobility; their characterization as

earth, water, fire, and air, respectively, is declared an abstractioninstead

of concentrating on the fact of material existence, one observes how a

physical thing is sensed, felt, perceived.[17]

[edit]Understanding suffering

The Four Elements pertinence to the Buddhist notion of suffering comes

about due to:

The Four Elements are the primary component of "form" (rpa).

"Form" is first category of the "Five Aggregates" (khandhas).

The Five Aggregates are the ultimate basis for suffering (dukkha) in the

"Four Noble Truths."

Schematically, this can be represented in reverse order as:

Four Noble Truths Suffering Aggregates Form Four Elements

Thus, to deeply understand the Buddha's Four Noble

Truths, it is beneficial to have an understanding of the

Great Elements.

[edit]Meditation object
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-13http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-13http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-13http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-14http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-14http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-14http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-15http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-15http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-15http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=7http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=7http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=7http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhisthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhisthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhisthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dukkhahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dukkhahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dukkhahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-16http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-16http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-16http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=8http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=8http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=8http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R%C5%ABpahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R%C5%ABpahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R%C5%ABpahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khandhashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khandhashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Noble_Truthshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Noble_Truthshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Noble_Truthshttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=9http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=9http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=9http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=9http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Noble_Truthshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khandhashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R%C5%ABpahttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=8http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-16http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dukkhahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhisthttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=7http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-15http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-14http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-13


8/16

In theMahasatipatthana Sutta("The Greater Discourse on

the Foundations of Mindfulness,"DN22), in listing various

bodily meditation techniques, theBuddhainstructs:

"...Just as if a skilled butcher or his assistant, having slaughtered a cow, were

to sit at a crossroads with the carcass divided into portions, so a monk

reviews this very body ... in terms of the elements: 'There are in this body the

earth-element, the water-element, the fire-element, the air-element.' So he

abides contemplating body as body internally...."[18]

In the Visuddhimagga's well-known list of forty

meditation objects (kammahna), the great elements

are listed as the first four objects.

B. Alan Wallacecompares the Theravada meditative

practice of "attending to the emblem of

consciousness" to the practice

inMahamudraandDzogchenof "maintaining the

mind upon non-conceptuality", which is also aimed at

focusing on the nature of consciousness.[19]

[edit]Buddhist sources

In thePali canon,the Four Elements are described in

detail in the following discourses (sutta):

Mahahatthipadompama Sutta ("The Greater

Discourse on the Simile of the Elephant's

Footprint,"MN28)[20]

Maharahulovada Sutta ("The Greater Discourse of

Advice to Rahula," MN 62)[21]

Dhatuvibhanga Sutta ("The Exposition of the

Elements," MN 140)[22]

The Four Elements are also referenced in:

Kevaddha Sutta (DN11)[23]

Mahasatipatthana Sutta(DN 22)

Satipatthana Sutta(MN10)

Chabbisodhana Sutta (MN 112)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahasatipatthana_Suttahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahasatipatthana_Suttahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahasatipatthana_Suttahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digha_Nikayahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digha_Nikayahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digha_Nikayahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gautama_Buddhahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gautama_Buddhahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gautama_Buddhahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-17http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-17http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-17http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamma%E1%B9%AD%E1%B9%ADh%C4%81nahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamma%E1%B9%AD%E1%B9%ADh%C4%81nahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamma%E1%B9%AD%E1%B9%ADh%C4%81nahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamma%E1%B9%AD%E1%B9%ADh%C4%81nahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamma%E1%B9%AD%E1%B9%ADh%C4%81nahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B._Alan_Wallacehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B._Alan_Wallacehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahamudrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahamudrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahamudrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dzogchenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dzogchenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dzogchenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-18http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-18http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-18http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=10http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=10http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=10http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pali_canonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pali_canonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pali_canonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C5%ABtrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C5%ABtrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C5%ABtrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Majjhima_Nikayahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Majjhima_Nikayahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Majjhima_Nikayahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-19http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-19http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-19http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-20http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-20http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-20http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-21http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-21http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-21http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digha_Nikayahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digha_Nikayahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digha_Nikayahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-22http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-22http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-22http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahasatipatthana_Suttahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahasatipatthana_Suttahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satipatthana_Suttahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satipatthana_Suttahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Majjhima_Nikayahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Majjhima_Nikayahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Majjhima_Nikayahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Majjhima_Nikayahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satipatthana_Suttahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahasatipatthana_Suttahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-22http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digha_Nikayahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-21http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-20http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-19http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Majjhima_Nikayahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C5%ABtrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pali_canonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta&action=edit&section=10http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-18http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dzogchenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahamudrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B._Alan_Wallacehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamma%E1%B9%AD%E1%B9%ADh%C4%81nahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-17http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gautama_Buddhahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digha_Nikayahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahasatipatthana_Sutta


9/16

Bahudhatuka Sutta (MN 115)

Kayagatasati Sutta (MN 119)[24]

Anathapindikovada Sutta (MN 143)[25]

Catudhatu-vaggo (SNch. 14, subch. IV), several

discourses[26]

Saddhammapatirupaka Sutta (SN 16.13)[27]

Bija Sutta (SN 22.54)[28]

Asivisa Sutta (SN 35.197 or 35.238)[29]

Kimsuka Sutta (SN 35.204 or 35.245)[30]

Dutiya-mittamacca Sutta (SN 55.17)[31]

various briefSamyutta Nikayadiscourses entitled,

"Dhatu Sutta" (SN 18.9,[32]

SN 25.9,[33]

SN

26.9,[34]SN 27.9[35])

Tittha Sutta (AN3.61)[36]

Nivesaka Sutta (AN 3.75)

Rahula Sutta (AN 4.177)

In addition, the Visuddhimagga XI.27ffhas an

extensive discussion of the Four Elements.[37]

Bhtais aSanskritword that has several meanings:

true, matter of fact, reality, (that which is or has been) existing, present, being or

being like anything, consisting of, mixed or joined with

Bhootcan refer to the ghost of a deceased person or a bodilessspiritin

theIndian subcontinent

of an heretical sect (withJainas,a class of the Vyantaras)

the 14th day of the dark half of the lunar month

the lived world (bhtajagata)

well-being, welfare, prosperity
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-23http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-23http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-23http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-24http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-24http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-24http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samyutta_Nikayahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samyutta_Nikayahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samyutta_Nikayahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-25http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-25http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-26http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-26http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-26http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-27http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-27http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-27http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-28http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-28http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-28http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-29http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-29http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-29http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-30http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-30http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-30http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samyutta_Nikayahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samyutta_Nikayahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samyutta_Nikayahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-31http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-31http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-31http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-32http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-32http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-32http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-33http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-33http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-33http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-34http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-34http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anguttara_Nikayahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anguttara_Nikayahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anguttara_Nikayahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-35http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-35http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-35http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-36http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-36http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-36http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanskrithttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanskrithttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanskrithttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhoot_(ghost)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhoot_(ghost)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirithttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirithttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirithttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_subcontinenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_subcontinenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_subcontinenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_subcontinenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirithttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhoot_(ghost)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanskrithttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-36http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-35http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anguttara_Nikayahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-34http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-33http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-32http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-31http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samyutta_Nikayahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-30http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-29http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-28http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-27http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-26http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-25http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samyutta_Nikayahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-24http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta#cite_note-23


10/16

InHindu philosophyandBuddhism,bhtadenotes aclassical element.The five

elements:Akasha,Vayu,Agni,Ap,andPrithvi(in the same order) constitute

thePancha Mahabhutas(five great elements).

Pishacha

Pishachasare flesh eatingdemons,according to Hindu mythology.Their origin is

obscure, although some believe that they were created byBrahma.Another legend

describes them as the sons of either Krodha (aSanskritword meaning anger) or

ofDakshas daughterPishacha. They have been described to have a darkcomplexion with bulging veins and protruding, red eyes. They are believed to have

their own language, which is called Paishachi.

They like darkness and haunt cremation grounds along with other demons

likeBhutas(meaningghosts)andVetals.Pishachas have the power to assume

different forms at will, and may also become invisible. Sometimes, they possess

human beings, and the victims are afflicted with a variety of maladies and

abnormalities like insanity. Certainmantrasare supposed to cure such afflicted

persons, and drive away the Pishacha which may be possessing that particular

human being. In order to keep the Pishachas away, they are given their share of

offerings during certain religious functions and festivals.

VetalaFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article may containoriginal research.Pleaseimproveitbyverifyingthe claims made and addingreferences.Statements

consisting only of original research may be removed. More details

may be available on thetalk page.(July 2009)

A vetala(Sanskrit vetla or ) is a ghost-like being fromHindu mythology.The

vetala are defined as spirits inhabiting corpses andcharnel grounds.These corpses
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_philosophyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_philosophyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_philosophyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_elementhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_elementhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_elementhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akashahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akashahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akashahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vayuhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vayuhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vayuhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ap_(water)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ap_(water)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ap_(water)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prithvihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prithvihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prithvihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_mythologyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_mythologyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanskrithttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanskrithttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanskrithttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dakshahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dakshahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dakshahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhuthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhuthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhuthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghosthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghosthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghosthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baitalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baitalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baitalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mantrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mantrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mantrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:No_original_researchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:No_original_researchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:No_original_researchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vetala&action=edithttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vetala&action=edithttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vetala&action=edithttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vetala&action=edithttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiabilityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiabilityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiabilityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Referenceshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Referenceshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Referenceshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Vetalahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Vetalahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Vetalahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_mythologyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_mythologyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_mythologyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charnel_groundhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charnel_groundhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charnel_groundhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charnel_groundhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_mythologyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Vetalahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Referenceshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiabilityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vetala&action=edithttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vetala&action=edithttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:No_original_researchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mantrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baitalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghosthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhuthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dakshahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanskrithttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_mythologyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prithvihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ap_(water)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vayuhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akashahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_elementhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_philosophy


11/16

may be used as vehicles for movement (as they no longer decay while so inhabited);

but a vetala may also leave the body at will.

Gray (undated: c2009) provides an excellent survey of chthonic charnel ground

accoutrement motif such as skull imagery in the textual tradition of theYogini

tantrasand discusses 'vetala' (Sanskrit).[1]

Contents

[hide]

1 General Description

2 Notes

3 See also

4 References

[edit]General Description

In Hindu folklore, the vetala is an evil spirit who haunts cemeteries and

takesdemonic possessionof corpses. They make their displeasure known by

troubling humans. They can drive people mad, kill children, and cause miscarriages,

but also guard villages.

They are hostile spirits of the dead trapped in the 'twilight zone' between life

andafterlife.These creatures can be repelled by the chanting of holymantras.Onecan free them from their ghostly existence by performing their funerary rites. Being

unaffected by the laws of space and time, they have an uncanny knowledge about

the past, present, and future and a deep insight into human nature. Therefore many

sorcerers seek to capture them and turn them into slaves.

Asorcereronce asked KingVikramadityato capture a vetala who lived in a tree that

stood in the middle of a crematorium. The only way to do that was by keeping silent.

Every time Vikramaditya caught the vetala, the vetala would enchant the king with a

story that would end with a question. No matter how hard he tried, Vikramadityawould not be able to resist answering the question. This would enable the vetala to

escape and return to his tree. The stories of the vetala have been compiled in the

bookBaital Pachisi.

There is also a strong Vetala cult in the Konkan region, under the names of Betal,

Vetal, etc. It seems, however, that the relation between the literary Vetala and this
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Yogini_tantras&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Yogini_tantras&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Yogini_tantras&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetala#cite_note-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetala#cite_note-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetala#cite_note-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetalahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetalahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetalahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetala#General_Descriptionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetala#General_Descriptionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetala#Noteshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetala#Noteshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetala#See_alsohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetala#See_alsohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetala#Referenceshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetala#Referenceshttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vetala&action=edit&section=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vetala&action=edit&section=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vetala&action=edit&section=1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demonic_possessionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demonic_possessionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demonic_possessionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afterlifehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afterlifehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afterlifehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mantrashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mantrashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mantrashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magician_(paranormal)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magician_(paranormal)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magician_(paranormal)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vikramadityahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vikramadityahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vikramadityahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baital_Pachisihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baital_Pachisihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baital_Pachisihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baital_Pachisihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vikramadityahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magician_(paranormal)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mantrashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afterlifehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demonic_possessionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vetala&action=edit&section=1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetala#Referenceshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetala#See_alsohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetala#Noteshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetala#General_Descriptionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetalahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetala#cite_note-0http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Yogini_tantras&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Yogini_tantras&action=edit&redlink=1


12/16

demigod's is feeble at best. There is a Shree Betal temple ( ) in Amona, Goa.

Vetal is the worshipper (or sevak) of KalBhairav and is the head of all spirits and

ghouls and vampires and all kinds of pisachas. He has another form which is a more

potent and fiery form, that of Agni Vetal who is the sevak of none other than Kalika.

Lord Agnivetal has flames on his head and controls fire. He is also known as Agya

Vetal. Agnivetal is used by Tantriks to perform evil black magic on people. But it isn't

Lord Agnivetal's fault because the Tantriks misuse the powers given to them on

propitiating Agnivetal(rather his Daityas which are at his feet-they are the ones who

accept the blood sacrifices).

Vetal HillFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Vetal Hill

Vetal Hill

Elevation 2,600 ft (792 m)

Location

Location Pune,Maharashtra,India

Range Western Ghats
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summit_(topography)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summit_(topography)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maharashtrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maharashtrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maharashtrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_rangehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_rangehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Ghatshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Ghatshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Vetal_tekdi.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Vetal_tekdi.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Ghatshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_rangehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maharashtrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summit_(topography)


13/16

Vetal Hill (Marathi:) is a prominent hill in the city limits ofPune,India.

The hill is the highest point within the city limits, with an elevation of 2600 ft. There is

a temple ofVetalalocated on the top of the hill from which the hill derives its name.

The place is an excellent getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city and provides

a great morning trek location for the weekends. One can view the whole of Pune

from the top in a clear day.

Contents

[hide]

1 Location and Physiography

2 Climate

3 Flora

4 The Hill Today

[edit]Location and Physiography

Vetal Tekdi is prominent and is visible fromPashan,Panchavati,Chaturshringiand

other parts of the city. It is located nearChatushringi,nearPune University.It has

two spurs, Fergussen College Hill andChaturshringi Hill.

Vetal Hill spreads over an area of 10.5 square kilometres (4.1 sq mi).

[edit]Climate

A small forest fire in a hot summer day in Vetal Tekdi

Summers are hot and dry on the hill. The onset ofMonsooncauses clouds to form

over the summit of the hill, causing zero-visibility in the summit. Winter days are cool

and foggy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marathihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marathihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marathihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetalahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetalahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetalahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetal_Hillhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetal_Hillhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetal_Hillhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetal_Hill#Location_and_Physiographyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetal_Hill#Location_and_Physiographyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetal_Hill#Climatehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetal_Hill#Climatehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetal_Hill#Florahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetal_Hill#Florahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetal_Hill#The_Hill_Todayhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetal_Hill#The_Hill_Todayhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vetal_Hill&action=edit&section=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vetal_Hill&action=edit&section=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vetal_Hill&action=edit&section=1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pashanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pashanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pashanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panchavatihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panchavatihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panchavatihttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chaturshringi&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chaturshringi&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chaturshringi&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chatushringi&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chatushringi&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chatushringi&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pune_Universityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pune_Universityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pune_Universityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaturshringi_Hillhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaturshringi_Hillhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaturshringi_Hillhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vetal_Hill&action=edit&section=2http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vetal_Hill&action=edit&section=2http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vetal_Hill&action=edit&section=2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monsoonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monsoonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monsoonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Vetal_tekdi_forest.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Vetal_tekdi_forest.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Vetal_tekdi_forest.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Vetal_tekdi_forest.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monsoonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vetal_Hill&action=edit&section=2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaturshringi_Hillhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pune_Universityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chatushringi&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chaturshringi&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panchavatihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pashanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vetal_Hill&action=edit&section=1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetal_Hill#The_Hill_Todayhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetal_Hill#Florahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetal_Hill#Climatehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetal_Hill#Location_and_Physiographyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetal_Hillhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetalahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marathi


14/16

The area shares almost same climatic conditions as that of Pune in the rest of the

time.

[edit]Flora

The forest type in this area is dry-deciduousas that of hills around Pune. Medium

sized trees along with shrubs constitute majority of the vegetation. Diversity of

herbaceous species is at its peak in monsoon months. Some parasites

like Dendropthoe, Strigaare also reported in the area. One important characteristic

of the area is total absent of epiphytic species. Detailed Floristic Study of Vetal Hill

was carried out by V. N. Joshi and M. S. Kumbhojakar of Agharkar Research

Institute, Pune in 1997. They enumerated occurrence of 416 species of angiosperms

belonging to 101 families, 2 pteridophytes and one Bryophyte.

Much before Joshi and Kumbhojkars work, ecological survey of the hill wasconducted by Ezekiel around 1917-1918. Joshi, Kumbhojkar and Kulkarni in their

work on changing floristic pattern of Vetal hill (1992) reported absence of 30 species

which were reported by Ezekiel.

The dominant plant community in the area is Boswellia serrata-Anogeissus latifolia.

Other dominant members of this area are Dalbergia lanceolaria,Acacia

chundra, Dolichandrone falcata,Albizzia procera, Capparis grandis. Some

herbaceous and shrubby weeds which are now naturalized in the area

include Tridax procumbens, Lagascea moollis, Cassia uniflora,Lantana camara.Plantation of some exotic species like Gliricidia sepium,Leucaena leucocephalahas

been undertaken by forest department. Dalbergia melanoxylonis one interesting

example for spread of exotic species. This species was planted by Britishers in Pune

University area. This species was totally absent on other areas of Pune. Recently

however, the species is observed to be spreading in and around the area of the

Vetal Hill, and is on the verge of becoming dominant species there.

The area is important on account of the occurrence of some important endemic

species. Some examples of the endemic species found here are Jatrophanana,Cissus woodrowii, Mussanda laxa, Indoneesiella echioides, etc.

[edit]The Hill Today

During the last few years the area has been subjected to various stresses of

anthropogenic activities. Plantation of exotic species by forest department, urban
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vetal_Hill&action=edit&section=3http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vetal_Hill&action=edit&section=3http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vetal_Hill&action=edit&section=3http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deciduoushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deciduoushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deciduoushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lantana_camarahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lantana_camarahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lantana_camarahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leucaena_leucocephalahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leucaena_leucocephalahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leucaena_leucocephalahttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vetal_Hill&action=edit&section=4http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vetal_Hill&action=edit&section=4http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vetal_Hill&action=edit&section=4http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vetal_Hill&action=edit&section=4http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leucaena_leucocephalahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lantana_camarahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deciduoushttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vetal_Hill&action=edit&section=3


15/16

development, tree cutting are few of them. Many aforestration programs have been

undertaken either byPune Municipal Corporationor by state forest Department have

resulted in growth of many ornamental and exotic species. This has affected in

some or other way on the natural vegetation of the hill. A new road

connectingBalbharatiandPaud Phatais proposed so as to decrease traffic pressure

inNal StopChowk. The road will cut across a nearly two kilometre patch of forest on

vetal hill, cutting close to ten thousand fully matured and grown trees. The proposed

bypass will bring automobile pollution, noise and congestion into the heart of a green

area at the foot and lower ridge of the Vetal hill. This is a catastrophic proposal and

will destroy one of the last virgin green areas left in Pune.

Several citizen groups and activists have opposed the proposal. Twelve NGOs

recently wrote a letter to the PMC opposing the road.A blogand an online petition

was promoted to stop the construction of the road.Nagrik Chetana Manchhas goneto the Mumbai high Court in a PIL and the HC has stayed the construction of the

road. Due to increased urbanization and increased population the biotic pressure in

the form of cutting of trees has increased on forest of Vetal Hill.ARAIis located in

vetal hills.

AsurasOriginally,Asura, in the earliest hymns of theRig Veda,meant any supernatural

spirit, both good and bad. Since the /s/ of the Indic linguistic branch is cognate with

the /h/ of the Early Iranian languages, the word Asura, representing a category of

celestial beings, became the word Ahura (Mazda), the Supreme God of the

monotheisticZoroastrians.Ancient Hinduism tells thatDevasandAsurasare half-

brothers, sons of the same father Kasyapa; but some of the devas, likeVaruna,are

also named Asuras. But much later at puranic ageAsura(alsoRakshasa)came to

exclusively mean any of a race of anthropomorphic, powerful, possibly evil beings.

All words such as Asura, Daitya (lit., sons of the mother "Diti"), Rakshasa (lit. from

"harm to be guarded against") are incorrectly translated into English as demon. A

dominant depiction of Asuras is someone who is in constant battle with devas, their

half-brothers, to establish supremacy and to secure immortality[citation needed]

. Both

asuras and devas are as much bound by theirkarmasas humans[citation needed]

. Asuras

do accept and worship the Gods, particularly the Hindu triumvirate; some of the
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pune_Municipal_Corporationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pune_Municipal_Corporationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pune_Municipal_Corporationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Balbharati&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Balbharati&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Paud_Phata&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Paud_Phata&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Paud_Phata&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nal_Stophttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nal_Stophttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nal_Stophttp://www.rescuepune.blogspot.com/http://www.rescuepune.blogspot.com/http://www.rescuepune.blogspot.com/http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nagrik_Chetana_Manch&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nagrik_Chetana_Manch&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nagrik_Chetana_Manch&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=ARAI&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=ARAI&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=ARAI&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rig_Vedahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rig_Vedahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rig_Vedahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroastrianismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroastrianismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroastrianismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varunahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varunahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varunahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rakshasahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rakshasahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rakshasahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_neededhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_neededhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_neededhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karmahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karmahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karmahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_neededhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_neededhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_neededhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_neededhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karmahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_neededhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rakshasahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varunahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroastrianismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rig_Vedahttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=ARAI&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nagrik_Chetana_Manch&action=edit&redlink=1http://www.rescuepune.blogspot.com/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nal_Stophttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Paud_Phata&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Balbharati&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pune_Municipal_Corporation


16/16

rakshasas likeRavanaandMahabaliare exemplary devotees. Often the strife

between the asuras and the devas is simply a political one: devas are the ordained

maintainers of the realms with power (and immortality) accorded to them by the

gods and asuras ever strive to attain both. Asuras usually attain or enhance their

supernatural powers through penance to gods and waging war on devas using

powers thus attained. Unlike Christian notion of demons, asuras are not the cause of

the evil and unhappiness in mankind (unhappiness in humans, according

toHinduismis by one's own actions (Karma)and/or due to the continued ignorance

ofBrahman,the unchanging reality. Asuras, if any, are cogs in the wheel of Karma);

they are not fundamentally against the Gods, nor do they tempt humans to fall. In

fact, asuras, much like devas, do worship the Gods of Hinduism: many Asuras are

said to have been granted boons from one of the members of the Hindutrinity,

viz.,Brahma,VishnuandShivawhen the latter had been appeased from theirpenances. This is markedly different from the traditional Western notions of demons

as a rival army of God. In Hindu mythology, pious, highly enlightened asuras,

likePrahladaandVibheeshana,are not at all uncommon. Prahlada even said to

have secured enlightenment to his entire lineage (of asuras). All Asuras, unlike the

devas, are said to have born mortals (though they ever strive to become immortal).

Many people metaphorically interpret asuras as manifestations of the ignoble

passions in human mind and as a symbolic device. There were also cases of power-

hungry asuras challenging various aspects of Gods, but only to be defeated

eventually and seek forgivenessseeSurapadman,Narakasura.

[edit]Evil spirits

Hinduism advocates the theory of reincarnation and transmigration of souls

according to one'sKarma.Souls (Atman)of the dead are adjudged by theYamaand

are accorded various purging punishments before being reborn. Humans that have

committed extraordinary wrongs are condemned to roam as lonely, often evil, spirits

for a length of time before being reborn. Many kinds of such spirits

(Vetalas,Pishachas,Bhta)are recognized in the later Hindu texts. These beings, in

a limited sense, can be called demons.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ravanahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ravanahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ravanahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahabalihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahabalihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahabalihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karmahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karmahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karmahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishnuhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishnuhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishnuhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shivahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shivahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shivahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prahladahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prahladahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prahladahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vibheeshanahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vibheeshanahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vibheeshanahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surapadmanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surapadmanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narakasurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narakasurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narakasurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Demon&action=edit&section=13http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Demon&action=edit&section=13http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Demon&action=edit&section=13http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karmahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karmahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karmahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atman_(Hinduism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atman_(Hinduism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atman_(Hinduism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetalahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetalahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetalahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pishachahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pishachahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pishachahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bh%C5%ABtahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bh%C5%ABtahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bh%C5%ABtahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bh%C5%ABtahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pishachahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetalahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atman_(Hinduism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karmahttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Demon&action=edit&section=13http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narakasurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surapadmanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vibheeshanahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prahladahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shivahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishnuhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karmahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahabalihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ravana

Other World Creatures

Documents

Transcript of Other World Creatures