Godai elements

[dajanacupic]

Having a really hard time figuring this one out. Well, actually the Earth element. I have found 2 kanjies for that one, the other ones match all in all posts and pictures etc. Can someone clarify why is there 2 or is it just one? I cant seem to paste them here now to show you, but the one in Wikipedia apparently isn't correct (also when you google "chi" the same one pops up). In other posts, wich to me seem more knowledgeable it is another, more complicated one which is partly composed of the simpler one.
I don't know if I explained myself properly but hopefully someone will get it. Thanks.

 

[Majestic]

I think you are talking about 土 vs 地 ?

Which one you use depends on which "5 Elements" you are talking about. If you are talking about the 5 Elements from Buddhism, you use 地. If you are talking about the western concept of the 5 Elements as translated into Japanese, you use 土. They both mean "earth" (as in dirt, not the planet - although planet Earth also uses 地 in it). I guess 土 has a more pronounced "dirt" or "soil" nuance to it, but they are both close.

Courtesy of wikipedia sensei.
五大 - Wikipedia
Five elements (Japanese philosophy) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[dajanacupic]

yes, I am reffering to the 5 Buddhist elements. Well, this is why I am confused. In Wikipedia also says that the simpler one represents the first one of Japanese Buddhist elements. So, If I understood you, Japanese Buddhist elements are different from the original 5 in that sence?

 

[Majestic]

The Japanese entry in Wikipedia is correct. I don't say the English entry is entirely incorrect (because both kanji mean earth, soil) but the pronunciation chi is only possible with 地.

五大(ごだい)とは - コトバンク

 

[dajanacupic]

Thank you.