The Word of the Buddha The Four Elements
The Word of the BuddhaIV. The Path that Leads to the Extinction of Suffering
1.5. Contemplating the Elements in the Body
Furthermore, a bhikkhu reviews this very body, in whatever way it is positioned, in whatever way it is oriented, considering it in terms of the elements thus: ‘In this body, there is the earth element, the water element, the fire element, and the wind element.’
Just as if a skilled butcher or their apprentice, having slaughtered a cow, were sitting at a crossroads, having divided it up piece by piece.
In the same way, a bhikkhu reviews this very body, however it is oriented, however it is placed, considering it in terms of the elements: ‘In this body, there is the earth element, the water element, the fire element, and the wind element.’
Thus, he dwells observing the body in and of itself internally, or he dwells observing the body externally, or he dwells observing the body both internally and externally. He dwells observing the arising nature in the body, or he dwells observing the going-away nature in the body, or he dwells observing both the arising and going-away nature in the body. Or else, mindfulness that ‘there is a body’ is simply established in him to the extent necessary for knowledge and remembrance. He dwells independently and does not cling to anything in the world.
In this way too, a bhikkhu dwells observing the body in and of itself.
Last updated on October 20, 2026