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觀四大

Pronunciations

Basic Meaning: contemplation of the four elements

Senses:

  • Analysis of the four elements (Pāli catu-mahābhūta-vavatthâna, catu-dhātu-vavatthâna, dhātu-vavatthâna) 〔解脫道論 T 1648.32.438b25〕 , T 310.11.644c16. The contemplative defining or determining of the specific characteristics (salakkhaṇa)—such as hardness, cohesion, heat, movement—of the internal four great entities (mahābhūta) or elements (dhātu), 四大, in his own body, with the purpose of overcoming the deluded perception of a self-existent being, 衆生想, or self, attā. For detailed explanations, see Path of Freedom (Vimuttimagga) Chapter VIII (T 1648.32.438b25 until p0440b13), Path of Purification (Visuddhimagga) Chapter XI § 27–117. It is one of the thirty-eight meditation subjects 三十八行處. [Nyanatusita]
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    Entry created: 2010-11-15