[278] Furthermore, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu reviews this very body, however it is placed, however it is disposed, by way of the elements (dhātu): "There are in this body the earth element, the water element, the fire element, the wind element." Just as, bhikkhus, a skilled butcher of cattle or a butcher's apprentice, having slaughtered a cow, might sit at a crossroads with it cut up into portions — even so, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu reviews this very body, however it is placed, however it is disposed, by way of the elements: "There are in this body the earth element, the water element, the fire element, the wind element." Thus he dwells contemplating the body in the body internally … he dwells.
The section on attention to the elements is concluded.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.