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10. Chapter Ten
Matter – ( Rupa )
Since the material body called kalala (clear fluid) accompany the arising of the first birthconsciousness
(patisandhi citta) we should understand the course of arising and ceasing of the
material body throughout one's life. Hence we will deal with changing nature of matter –
(rupa) in this chapter.
Rupa literally means that which changes its nature. The causes of change are many; they include
heat and cold. In very cold climate your skin cracks, and the pigment changes; you catch cold
and fall ill. In the group of purgatories the sinners drop into very cold water and are crushed to
death. In hot climate, your skin gets inflamed and reddens; you get burns and scalds; you get
sunstroke. Moreover you may be bitten by mosquitoes, pests, dogs or snake; some of these bites
may be fatal. Hunger and thirst may also kill you. These are examples of the changing nature of
rupa.
10.1 Classes Of Rupa
Although there are 28 classes of rupa in all, we shall mention only the important 19.
The Four Fundamental Elements
1. Earth element - the element of extension, solidity.- Pathavi dhatu
2. Water element - the element of fluidity, cohesion - Apo dhatu (
3. Fire element - the element of heat, cold - Tejo dhatu
4. Air element - the element of motion support - Vayo dhatu
The Five Sensitive Parts of the Five Organs - Pasada Rupa
5. sensitive part of the eye - Cakkhupasada
6. sensitive part of the ear - Sotapasada
7. sensitive part of the nose - Ghanapasada
8. sensitive part of the tongue - Jivhapasada
9. sensitive part of the body - Kayapasada
The Five Objects Grasped Through Sense-doors - Arammana
10. visible form - Ruparammana
11. sound - Saddarammana
12. smell - Gandharammana
13. taste - Rasarammana
14. touch, tangible sense - Photthabbarammana
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