also: かと
noun
lower world; this world; the earth
Archaic term contrasting with 上天 (the heavens). Refers to the earthly realm, the world below, or the mundane world. Not used in modern everyday speech.
See also: 上天
古い文献では、上天と下土が対比して語られることがある。
In old texts, the heavens and the lower world are sometimes spoken of in contrast.
上天 refers to the heavens or the sky above, while 下土 refers to the earth or the world below. They form a classical pair.
The exact derivation is uncertain; the spelling 下土 literally means 'lower earth' and is conventionally associated with the earthly realm in contrast to the heavens.