English version sourced from Bodhi Fansubs, translated by D.T. Suzuki △ 英文 | 释宏添 中文 | 德焱 02 : 45 开始
法师讲解：推我本空
Commentary: Self is Empty by Inference
The Four Great Elements that the Buddha mentioned are earth, water, fire and wind. These are the physical elements that make up our body, and each of them has its unique characteristics. Since the Four Great Elements are physical matters, they are classified under the Aggregate of Form in the Five Skandhas or Five Aggregates. As for the other four aggregates, they are spiritual in nature. In fact, the formation of any matter in the universe cannot be possible without the Four Great Elements.
Let’s now take a look at the characteristics of the Four Great Elements: The Element of Earth is solid in nature which is characterized by its firmness and the ability to support. Our bones, solid internal organs, hair, nails, etc., all are examples of the Element of Earth. As for the Element of Water, it is characterized by its liquid nature which can prevent substances from scattering around. Blood and body fluid are examples of it. The next one is the Element of fire. It possesses the feature of warmth which can prevent matters from decay, and body temperature belongs to this element. The last one is the Element of Wind which is characterized by its fluidity. It enables the smooth circulation of matters, and it is represented by our breathing. When the Four Great Elements lose balance we will become sick; for example disorder in the Element of Earth will cause fatigue, disorder in the Element of Water will cause swelling, disorder in the Element of Fire will cause fever, and disorder in the Element of wind will cause joint pains, etc.
The Vimalakirti Sutra said: “The aggregation of the Four Great Elements produces the so called body. Since the nature of the Four Great Elements has no substance, our body has no real existence either. ” It follows that our body is just the result of conditional aggregation of the Four Great Elements, and its existence is illusory. However because of our attachment, we tend to recognize this aggregate as Me, and create all kinds of karma for it. In fact everything is just an illusion.
