Derge Kangyur/Tengyur e-text, Esukhia/Barom edition — public domain (mechanical reproduction)
The provided fragment of 'The Manner in Which One is Attached to the Existence of the Four Elements' (Tibetan: ’Byung ba bzhi’i srid pa’i chags lugs zhes bya ba) begins with a formal invocation to the Great Compassionate One and the introduction of a cosmological framework. The text initiates a discussion on the physical and metaphysical constitution of the world, specifically referencing the four elements and the geography of Mount Meru. By establishing the eight corners of Mount Meru, the author intends to map the structural organization of existence and the mechanisms by which sentient beings are attached to elemental existence. The reader is committed to a study of Buddhist cosmology where physical geography serves as a correlate for the processes of samsaric attachment and formation.
Provenance
About this text
A treatise detailing the manner of formation of the existence of the four elements, the Caturbhūtubhavābhyavāsanakrama is a work within the General Unexcelled Yoga Tantra tradition. It is attributed to the Indian author Carpaṭi. The work is preserved in the classical Tibetan period within the Tengyur, specifically volume ཟི, where it is titled 'byung ba bzhi'i srid pa'i chags lugs/ and extends to one page. The text opens with an invocation to the Great Compassionate One and establishes a cosmological framework centered on the geography of Mount Meru, its eight corners, and the seven playful oceans. By referencing the limitations of powerful deities such as Brahmā and Śakra, the work argues for a specific understanding of the physical and metaphysical constitution of the world. A scholar or serious reader consults this text today to examine the structural organization of existence and the mechanisms by which sentient beings are attached to elemental existence, utilizing the physical geography of the cosmos as a correlate for the processes of samsaric attachment and formation.
Cite thisAnuvāda, “The Manner in Which One is Attached to the Existence of the Four Elements” (Toh 2411), machine draft, 2026.https://naxiai.com/tibetan/works/toh2411
Summary & commentary
Significance
This work is significant for its integration of Indian and Tibetan cosmological models to explain the nature of elemental existence. It provides insight into how traditional Buddhist texts use the architecture of the universe, such as Mount Meru, to illustrate the psychological and ontological binds of attachment.
Structure
Passages
Section
Description
1
Introduction
Contains the Sanskrit and Tibetan titles, a devotional homage, and the beginning of a description of the cosmology of Mount Meru.
Themes
Buddhist Cosmology (1)
The Four Elements (1)
Summary, significance and provenance note generated by gemma4:31b from the translation and the catalogue record.
AnuvādaThe Manner in Which One is Attached to the Existence of the Four Elements·
In the language of India: Caturbuddhabhavabhavaśānakramaṃ nāma. In the language of Tibet: ’Byung ba bzhi’i srid pa’i chags lugs zhes bya ba (The Manner of Formation of the Existence of the Four Elements). Homage to the Great Compassionate One!
Mount Meru has eight corners, and there are seven playful oceans. Brahmā, Śakra, the sun, the moon, and the great gods—even these of great power are not eternal. How then can I attain stability? If I am examined, what am I? Where has my mother gone? Where has my father also gone? When one looks at a world such as this, the world is like a dream. When one possesses power, everyone pays homage; when power has declined, no one speaks to one. Therefore, wearing a patched robe and living on alms, it is wise to wander repeatedly through villages and towns. Through such conduct as this, one attains victory over the entire world. I, the fortunate Carpaṭi, speak thus.
The ’Byung ba bzhi’i srid pa’i chags lugs (The Manner of Formation of the Existence of the Four Elements), composed by the master Carpaṭi, is complete.
Translation status: Not among 84000's published translations, and not in progress there. Translations published elsewhere have not been searched for, so one may exist. (source: 84000 catalogue + registry; checked 2026-11-10).
Set in Newsreader and EB Garamond; Tibetan in Noto Serif Tibetan; Chinese in Noto Serif SC.