Bhūta

views updated

Bhūta (Skt., √bhu, ‘being’).
1. In S. Asian philosophy, an element, especially a mahābhūta (gross element) but also a tanmātra (subtle element: see AHAṂKARA). Hindu systems of philosophy list five gross elements: ether (ākāśa), air, fire, water, and earth.

2. Spirits; in the Brāhmaṇas, human and non-human beings; in later texts, malignant spirits or goblins.

More From encyclopedia.com