- Hard: rigid. Harsh: rough. Herein, the first is a word for the characteristic, while the second is a word for the mode; for the earth element is characterized as hard, but its mode is rough, which is why it is called “harsh.” Clung to: taken firmly [by kamma]; the meaning is, firmly taken, seized, adhered to, as “I,” “mine” (see §89f.).
Visuddhimagga - CHAPTER XI Concentration (conclusion): Nutriment and the Elements
What is the difference between a dhammas characteristic and it’s mode?
Kharigatanti pharusaṃ.
Tattha paṭhamaṃ lakkhaṇavacanaṃ[characteristic], dutiyaṃ ākāravacanaṃ, kakkhaḷalakkhaṇā hi pathavīdhātu, sā pharusākārā hoti, tasmā kharigatanti vuttā.
Not sure about ‘mode’ here.
Hi @Ceisiwr
I wanted to appreciate you for being a true seeker and trying to find out answers even by reading other schools of Lord Buddha teaching and trying to harmonize them with what you already read from Pali Tipitaka (That is what I Understood ,sorry if I am wrong in my description,but still appreciation remains)
and also for posting no-nonsense effective questions/bringing valuable information you read to the forum and sharing your understandings from heavy reading .
I hope and believe you had found the answer by now.
But just incase if you still have this question open ,I beleive you can find the answer in Visuddhimagga itself.
samādhiniddeso
catudhātuvavatthānabhāvanā
Important line : vīsatiyā ākārehi pathavīdhātu
I am not writing my understanding ,as it might remain just a view of mine .So just providing important reference with which you as a scholar will understand after reading it.
Respect and Regards
Thank you for the kind words and for the reference. Much appreciated.