Related:: [[Rupa|Rūpa]], [[Yathabhuta|Yathābhūta]] # Dhātu (Qualities, but commonly as "Elements") ## 6 Qualities > [!tldr] The 6 Qualities > 1. ***Pathavī* (Earth)** — Hardness and Softness, Rough and Smooth, Heavy and Light > 2. ***Āpo* (Water)** — Binding and Flowing > 3. **Tejo (Fire)** — Heat and Cold > 4. ***Vāyo* (Wind / Air)** — Movement/Pressure, Expansion/Contraction > 5. ***Ākāsa* (Space)** — Holds everything (other elements) inside it > 6. ***Viññāṇa* ([[Vinnana|Consciousness]])** — It "knows" :) ![[MN140 Dhātuvibhaṅgasutta#^6-dhatu|MN140]] ### 1. Pathavīdhātu (Earth Quality) ![[MN140 Dhātuvibhaṅgasutta#^pathavi-dhatu]] ### 2. Apodhātu (Water Quality) ![[MN140 Dhātuvibhaṅgasutta#^apo-dhatu|MN140]] ## Mahābhūtānaṁ — 4 Primary [[Dhatu|Elements]] ![[MN28 Mahāhatthipadopamasutta#^mahabhuta]] ## Reads * (2025-05-05) (by Vilas) [Dhatu & Vibhanga](https://spiritualessence.in/2025/05/05/how-to-understand-dhatu/) ## Meditation ![[(2022-08-10) Experiencing Dependent Origination through MN28#^meditation-summary]] ## Suttas - MN140 Dhātuvibhaṅgasutta ([link](https://suttacentral.net/mn140/en/sujato)) - [[MN115 Bahudhātukasutta]] - Understanding that Dhatu means "Qualities" rather than "Elements" - [[MN28 Mahāhatthipadopamasutta]] - Sāriputta on the definitions of the 4 Dhātu and how one would become disillusioned of the 4 Dhātu once they're seen for what it is. (yathābhūtaṁ) - also on even the 4 Dhātu is anicca, using an example of how all water will dry up in the ocean, etc. - Different meanings - SN14 Dhātunānattasutta ([link](https://suttacentral.net/sn14/en/sujato)) - SN14.15 Caṅkamasutta ([link](https://suttacentral.net/sn14.15/en/sujato)) - How people come together and follow different monks (good or bad), through **attraction** by same Qualities :)