Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c6.s2.t1.5

v1.c6.s2.t1.5

Primary elements and their role in the formation and working of the human body were transmitted through translation of Buddhist texts like *Viśuddhimagga* of the 5^th^ century CE. These texts informed that: “In this body what is stiffness and harshness is the *Pṛthvī* or earth element. What is fluidity or cohesion is *Āpa* or water element, what is maturing or heat is *Teja* or fire element, and what is distension or movement is *Vāyu* or wind element.”