Significance of Tortoise
Synonyms: Turtle
In Dutch: Schildpad; In Finnish: Kilpikonna; In Spanish: Tortuga; In German: 厂肠丑颈濒诲办谤枚迟别; In Malay: Kura-kura; In Swedish: 厂办枚濒诲辫补诲诲补; In French: Tortue
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Tortoise'
In Buddhism, the Tortoise symbolizes loyalty in protecting young hawks, embodies themes of misunderstanding and fear, represents the five aggregates that require transcendence, and serves as an observer, illustrating vanity in judging others.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) An animal that becomes involved in protecting the young hawks, representing loyalty and cooperation.[1] (2) An animal caught in the narrative, symbolizing themes of fear, misunderstanding, and the mistaken identity associated with the larger metaphysical struggles.[2] (3) An observer who was called upon to judge the beauty of the fish but instead boasted of his own beauty.[3]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Represents the five aggregates of clinging, which must be understood and transcended.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Tortoise'
In Hinduism, the Tortoise symbolizes stability and divine support, represented as an avatar of Vishnu, a pivotal character in cosmic events like the churning of the ocean, and reflects state transitions in spiritual quests.
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) A being created from the juice that flowed from the earth when compressed and thrown into the waters.[5] (2) An element involved in the altar construction, placed backward or downward to determine Agni's orientation.[6]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) An additional incarnation of the Lord, signifying the extensive nature of His divine manifestations.[7]
From: Abhinaya-darpana (English)
(1) Another avatar of Vishnu, often associated with stability and support in Hindu mythology.[8]
From: Hitopadesha (English translation)
(1) A character known as Slow-toes who becomes captured by a hunter and is the subject of a rescue attempt by his friends.[9]
Jain concept of 'Tortoise'
In Jainism, the Tortoise symbolizes stability and endurance, reflecting the balanced physique of the Lord. Additionally, it serves as a simile to illustrate the elegance and curvature of Abhinandana Svamin's feet.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) An animal used in a simile to depict the elegance and curvature of Abhinandana Svamin's feet.[10] (2) Represents stability and endurance, enhancing the image of the Lord's balanced physique.[11]
The concept of Tortoise in local and regional sources
Tortoise, as the second incarnation in the Dashavatar, symbolizes the vital transition of life from water to land, representing growth and evolution in ecological history according to regional sources.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The second incarnation in the Dashavatar, indicating the expansion of life onto land.[12]
The concept of Tortoise in scientific sources
Tortoise is a software known for its extensive customization options and flexibility, making it adaptable to various needs, despite criticism for having an outdated user interface.
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) Software characterized by its high degree of customization and flexibility, though it has an outdated user interface.[13]