meditation on the five elements ［五輪観］ ( gorin-kan): A form of meditation in Esoteric Buddhism aimed at realizing that self and environment are composed of the five elements—earth, water, fire, wind, and space; that the five parts of the body, namely, the crown of the head, face, chest, abdomen, and knees, are none other than the five syllables of the esoteric mantra avarahakha (a-va-ra-ha-kha), which represent the five elements of Mahāvairochana Buddha; and that one’s body ultimately is one with the five Buddhas who embody the five aspects of Mahāvairochana Buddha’s wisdom.