the four elements (earth, water, fire, wind)
Buddhist term for the four material elements that compose all physical phenomena.
the human body
Extended Buddhist usage: the body as a temporary combination of the four elements.
Tao, heaven, earth, and king
Rare Chinese-derived concept listing four great things; not in common modern use.
In Buddhism, the four elements are said to compose all matter.
The four elements temporarily combine to form this body.
In classical texts, the four greats are sometimes listed as Tao, heaven, earth, and king.
illness (of a monk); falling ill
From Chinese 四大 (sì dà), a Buddhist term for the four elements. The reading しだい is the on'yomi.