In Buddhism , the `` four great elements '' ( Pali : cattÄ ro mahÄ bhÅ `` tÄ ni ) are earth , water , fire and air . Hinduism adds a fifth `` great '' or `` gross '' element : ether . In Hinduism 's sacred literature , the `` great '' or `` gross '' elements ( mahÄ bhÅ `` ta ) are fivefold : space ( or `` ether '' ) , air , fire , water and earth .