Lecture Notes on the Sūtra of the Collection of the Father and Son (36)

What is the fire element within the body?

Original text: 大王。云何身内火界。若此身中。所有执受。温暖蒸热咀嚼饮食成熟变坏。便令安和。入热数者。名为火界。

Explanation: The Buddha said: Great King, what is the fire element within the body? If the warmth and heat that can be felt throughout the body can cause the food and drink that are chewed and swallowed into the body to ripen, break down, and be digested, that is the fire element. After digestion, the body receives nourishment and becomes peaceful and comfortable; these things belonging to the aspect of heat and thermal energy constitute the fire element.