Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c16.140

c16.140

**Bhūtas.** In what way do these five sensory qualities differ from what are conceived in Sāṁkhya as the five great elements (*Bhūtas*), viz. *Kshiti* (Earth), *Ap* (Water), *Teja* (Fire), *Marut* (Wind), and *Vyoma* (Ether), the constituents of the external world? In the first place, the generalized qualities (*Tanmātras*) are said to be "subtle"; that is, difficult of perception (*sūkshmaṁ = durlakshyam*, as Vāchaspati says). In the second place, these "elements" are said to be specified (*viśeshāḥ*). Such "specification" consists in that they are capable of being "experienced" and "enjoyed" [*Upabhogayogyāḥ viśeshāḥ* (Vāchaspati Miśra on *Kārikā*, 38)].