大方廣佛華嚴經隨疏演義鈔 82.46

82.46

Commentary: "The Kośa says: 'The great elements refer to the four realms'": the next line is "namely earth, water, fire, and wind," which is in the Chapter on Realms. In full, it says: "The great elements refer to the four realms, / Namely earth, water, fire, and wind; / They can accomplish activities such as supporting, / Having the natures of solidity, moisture, warmth, and motion." The explanation says: The first line indicates three meanings called "great": first, because their essence is expansive, meaning that the four great elements pervade derived matter and their essence is expansive; second, because their form is great within abundant aggregations, meaning the great earth, etc.; third, because they can initiate various great activities, such as earth being able to support, etc. One meaning explains "elements" (dhātu) as serving as the support for derived matter; "great" is simply "element," and because it can hold its own nature, it is called "realm" (dhātu). The next line distinguishes activities: earth has the function of supporting, and "etc." includes water being able to form characteristics, fire being able to ripen, and wind being able to develop. The last line reveals the essence, as can be known. Here, only the first line is needed to prove that realms are poisonous snakes.