大乘法苑義林章 3.5

3.5

Regarding the explanation of names, the third fascicle of the Yogācārabhūmi states: "Because the nature of these great elements is great, and because they produce like seeds, they are called 'great elements' (mahābhūta). 'Great' has four meanings: First, because they serve as support, being the locus of support for all derived matter. Second, because their essential nature is expansive, their essential nature being broader and more extensive than that of derived matter. Third, because their physical forms are great, the shapes and manifestations of the great earth, great water, great fire, and great wind being great. Fourth, because they generate great functions, their functions in the formation and destruction of worlds being great. 'Element' (dhātu / bīja) means 'cause', or it means 'class'. This is because these four can serve as the five causes—generation and so forth—to give rise to diverse forms of matter, and because their categories and classes are distinct. Although empty space is great, it cannot serve as a cause. Although internal seeds and the like can serve as causes, their substance and characteristics are not great. All remaining phenomena are neither great nor seeds." Because earth and the others are thus both great and elements, they are called "great elements" (mahābhūta)—this is a karmadhāraya compound. If one speaks of the "four great elements", "four" is a numerical designation, which is a dvigu compound. Regarding the term "derived matter" (upādāya-rūpa), the fifth fascicle of the Xianyang shengjiao lun states: "It means that depending on the great elements, other derived matter is produced in the very locus of the great elements. Due to this cause, the four great elements are said to construct the constructed matter; the constructed is itself matter." The fifty-fourth fascicle states: "It means that holding and maintaining them in the same locus is named 'constructing'." The constructed being itself matter is named as a karmadhāraya compound. "Matter constructed by the great [elements]" is designated as a tatpuruṣa compound. Regarding specific names: the meaning of solidity is the meaning of earth; the meaning of flowing moisture is the meaning of water; the meaning of warmth and heat is the meaning of fire; the meaning of lightness and movement is the meaning of wind. Earth being itself great, up to wind being itself great, are all karmadhāraya compounds. The specific names of derived matter will be explained in their respective sections.