Minowani's Writings

on what the Buddha taught

Dhātu is often translated as element.

Element seems to be a proper translation. However it can be seen in a limited way, as chemical element or organic substance. While when I say ‘there is an element of danger to it’ it is immediately understood differently. And there are those like beautiful, lustful, aversive, harmful, etc. (f.i. AN6.111). So, to avoid confusion I use aspect instead.

Dhātu (f.) aspect.