A Popular Dictionary of Hinduism
(bhūtas) dynamic cosmic forces which, according to most Indian schools of thought, constitute the material universe and its phenomena, often called the ‘great elements’ (mahābhūtas).
The theory of four or five elements is of IE origin and was known in European antiquity and recognized virtually up to the birth of modern chemistry and physics. Some systems developed quite sophisticated interpretations of their nature and function. The usual four elements are .png)
(earth, solidity), āpas (water, fluidity), vāyu (air, vibration) and agni (fire, heat, light), the additional fifth one being ākāśa (space, ether).
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