Discourse on the Sutra of the Father and Son Collection (19)

The earth element and the hardness of the earth element are unattainable.

The Buddha said: "O great king, moreover, this earth element, when arising, is originally empty; when ceasing, it is also empty. There is no male form, nor female form. It is only displayed through words. Thus, the earth element and the nature of the earth element are both unattainable. Only the Buddha's correct wisdom can fully understand it."

Explanation: The Buddha said: "O great king, moreover, this earth element, when arising, is originally empty; when ceasing, it is also empty. In this earth element, there is no male form nor female form; it is only displayed in the form of language to reveal the earth element and its nature. Thus, the earth element and the hardness of the earth element are both unattainable; only the Buddha's great wisdom can understand it without remainder."