Significance of Sandalwood
Synonyms: Agarwood, Perfumed wood, Santal, Sandal, Sandalwood tree, Sandal tree
In French: Santal; In Malay: Cendana; In Finnish: Santelipuu; In Spanish: 厂谩苍诲补濒辞; In German: Sandelholz; In Swedish: 厂补苍诲别濒迟谤盲
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Sandalwood'
In Buddhism, sandalwood symbolizes true positive qualities within the three Vehicles, non-aversion's soothing nature, interactions between monks and laypeople, and purity in offerings, reflecting its multifaceted significance in spiritual practices.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A valuable aromatic wood sent to the Bodhisatta by another king as a gift.[1] (2) The material used for creating the funeral pyre for the Elder, indicative of respect and honor.[2] (3) Symbolizing valuable teachings being exchanged for less important matters in the context of the degradation of spiritual practice.[3]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) A type of wood that may be used for its medicinal properties within the context of ointments.[4] (2) A material that a merchant had, which illustrates the interactions between monks and laypeople regarding material possessions.[5]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) A specific ingredient identified by the Blessed One as permissible for use in creating eye ointments.[6]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A fragrant wood, noted for its sweet smell, often used in perfumes and incense; mentioned as one of the substances whose perfume only goes with the wind.[7]
From: Cetasikas
(1) Used as a metaphor for non-aversion, it symbolizes pleasantness and the ability to soothe discomfort, reflecting the agreeable nature of non-aversion.[8]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A metaphor representing that true positive qualities are uniquely found in the context of the three Vehicles, akin to how sandalwood is found on specific mountains.[9]
From: Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika)
(1) Material used for making incense, which is mentioned in the context of worship.[10]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) The meaning of the family title Can-tan, linked to Kanishka in the context of the text.[11]
Hindu concept of 'Sandalwood'
In Hinduism, sandalwood symbolizes purity and auspiciousness, serving as a key sacrificial material in rituals, a fragrant element for healing, and a representation of treasured knowledge often used to enhance spiritual experiences.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) Sandal wood was used to stain the water held in golden ewers, suggesting a fragrant and possibly sacred element in the rituals of the court.[12] (2) Sandal wood was used with precious scents, pearl, and coral ornaments, and was also piled high with logs during the funeral.[13] (3) The text mentions sandal woods that fringe her side, indicating a type of wood and its location, forming part of the search area.[14] (4) This is a type of wood that was consumed by the fire, along with aloe, in many houses.[15] (5) Sandal-wood added to the palace's pleasant aromas.[16]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A fragrant wood that symbolizes purity and resilience, illustrating how goodness remains even amidst destruction.[17] (2) Forests rich in sandalwood trees, used as a setting for the characters鈥� favored summer retreats.[18]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A fragrant wood used in the cremation of Bhishma's body, symbolizing respect and reverence.[19] (2) A fragrant substance used in the water for the king's bath.[20]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) A fragrant wood used by the queen in her worship, symbolizing purity and devotion.[21]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A fragrant wood used in the preparation of a paste for plastering the afflicted person's head during the remedy.[22]
From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)
(1) A component often utilized in the preparation of eye medicines.[23] (2) A scented substance recommended by a physician for use to relieve feverish illness.[24] (3) A scented substance prescribed by the physician for relieving illness, allowed for use by the Buddha.[25] (4) A well-known stem-medicine noted for its use in both Sanskrit and Chinese versions, recognized for its healing properties.[26]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 1: Sutrasthana
(1) A fragrant material that serves as a metaphor for knowledge, illustrating the contrast between carrying knowledge and appreciating its virtues.[27] (2) Symbolic representation of valuable knowledge that, when not appreciated or understood, becomes a burden rather than a benefit.[28]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) One of the ingredients noted for its inclusion in vitalization procedures, valued for its properties in traditional medicine.[29]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A fragrant wood used for incense and carvings.[30] (2) A fragrant wood often used in rituals and ceremonies, symbolizing purity and auspiciousness.[31]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A fragrant wood known for its calming properties, highlighted as part of the assessment of Krishna's touch.[32]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) A fragrant substance used in the marriage preparations, symbolizing sacredness in rituals.[33]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) Malaya signifies sandal-wood, which is esteemed for its fragrance and uses in rituals.[34] (2) One of the sacrificial materials used during the rituals, notable for its fragrance.[35]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A fragrant substance used by Nishcayadatta to anoint himself in a ritual of self-care.[36] (2) Used in a metaphor by Usha to describe her longing to be with Aniruddha, symbolizing coolness and comfort.[37]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) A material used in rituals for its fragrant and purifying properties, often enhancing spiritual experiences.[38]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) A type of wood that emits a distinct aroma, often compared to other scents.[39]
Jain concept of 'Sandalwood'
In Jainism, Sandalwood symbolizes purity and spirituality, used in rituals and offerings, including sacrificial fires and the creation of sacred idols, highlighting its cultural and religious significance within the faith.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A fragrant wood used in various cultural rituals and practices.[40] (2) The material from which the new statue of the god was made, indicating the value and reverence associated with the creation of sacred idols.[41] (3) Wood used in the sacrificial fire and to make offerings, associated with purity and spiritual significance.[42]
The concept of Sandalwood in local and regional sources
Sandalwood is a highly valued, fragrant wood noted for its quality and craftsmanship in temple sculptures. It also holds cultural significance, symbolizing love and remembrance in funeral practices.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A fragrant wood used in various cultural practices, symbolizing love and remembrance in a funeral context.[43] (2) A fragrant wood used in certain temple sculptures, noted for its quality and the technique employed in its crafting.[44]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A highly valued wood that should not be considered just ordinary wood.[45]