俱舍論疏 1.198

1.198

「論曰至故名為界」，長行釋也。文中有四：一釋界義、二釋大種義、三釋業義、四釋性義。此釋界也。以二義釋界：一能持自相、二能持所造，同《顯宗論》第三釋也。《顯宗》第一釋云「一切色法出生本故。亦從大種大種出生，諸出生本世間名界，如金等鑛名金等界。」第二釋云「或種種苦出生本故說名為界。喻如前說。」

The commentary says: "The Śāstra says: '...hence they are called elements (dhātu).'" This is the prose commentary. It contains four parts: first, explaining the meaning of element; second, explaining the meaning of primary element; third, explaining the meaning of function; and fourth, explaining the meaning of intrinsic nature. This explains 'element.' It explains 'element' by two meanings: first, being able to uphold their own characteristics; second, being able to uphold what is derived. This matches the third explanation in the *Abhidharmasamayapradīpikā*. The first explanation in the *Samayapradīpikā* says: "Because they are the origin of all material forms. The primary elements also arise from the primary elements; all origins of arising are called 'elements' in the world, just as an ore of gold or the like is called a gold element, etc." The second explanation says: "Or because they are the origin of various kinds of suffering, they are called 'elements,' with an analogy as spoken before."