Our bodies and all material things are made up of the four elements:

  1. Earth ('paṭhavī-dhātu')
  2. Water ('āpo-dhātu')
  3. Fire ('tejo-dhātu')
  4. Wind (vāyo-dhātu')

We are very attached to them, and try to manipulate and control them all the time. But the Buddha compares these four elements to four poisonous snakes: However much we look after and nurture them, at any time they may turn against us and 'bite' us - just like the 4 elements may at any time get out of control in sickness, accidents, attacks and 'bite' us resulting in pain, illness and death.

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