Significance of Cold water
The concept of cold water is multifaceted across various philosophies and disciplines. In Jainism, it symbolizes simplicity and is considered potentially impure when offered to monks. In Ayurveda, cold water is viewed as a therapeutic agent for ailments, often recommended to be consumed after medication. Vaishnavism highlights its discomforting properties, particularly in stressful situations. Additionally, in the context of Ayurveda and Science, cold water is often advised against during digestion due to potential adverse effects. Overall, cold water emphasizes purity, simplicity, and health considerations across different cultural frameworks.
Synonyms: Cool water, Chilled water, Icy water, Refreshing water
In Dutch: Koud water; In Finnish: Kylm盲 vesi; In Spanish: Agua fr铆a; In German: Kaltes Wasser; In Malay: Air sejuk; In Swedish: Kallt vatten; In French: Eau froide
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Cold water'
In Buddhism, "cold water" symbolizes stillness and inertness, representing the undisturbed state of existence before transformation. It also refers to unpleasant substances and severe punishments in hell, illustrating the nature of suffering and potential awakening.
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) A substance used by monks to dye robe-material that caused it to smell nasty.[1]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) Water that remains in a quiet and motionless state when not subjected to heat.[2]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A category of hells characterized by severe punishments involving cold water.[3] (2) An analogy used to depict the inert, empty nature of prakriti before conditions bring it to life, akin to cold water before being heated.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Cold water'
In Hinduism, cold water symbolizes healing and revitalization. It is integral in treatment practices, soothing discomfort, quenching thirst, and enhancing medicinal effects, while also reflecting vulnerability and the natural environment's influence on individual wellness.
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) A remedy method mentioned for cooling the patient's head, which is part of the treatment process.[5] (2) Water at lower temperatures, the consumption of which is restricted in certain medical conditions to prevent complications.[6] (3) Drinking cold water is advised against after taking the medicine to ensure effectiveness.[7] (4) Water at a low temperature, which is to be poured over the head of the patient after medication intake.[8] (5) A component mixed with ginger juice, used as an accompaniment in the medicinal preparation.[9]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 5: Treatment of various afflictions
(1) Recommended to be drunk after taking certain medicinal pills as part of treatment protocol.[10] (2) Water at a low temperature used to soothe and treat conditions like vomiting by calming the system.[11] (3) Referred to as a soothing agent for intoxication effects, beneficial after consuming wine or betel nuts.[12] (4) Water at a low temperature, recommended for mitigating thirst among other benefits.[13] (5) Water at a low temperature, recommended for bathing and cooling the body to alleviate heat sensations.[14]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances
(1) Regular water at a low temperature used alongside turmeric juice for washing earthworms.[15]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Describes the fragrant water sprinkled on the king鈥檚 head, symbolizing refreshment and revival of senses.[16]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Describes the characteristic of rivers like the Shita, Shankhavati, and Bhadra, which are abundant in pure, cold water.[17]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Water used in battle symbolizing defeat or incapacitation, particularly against demons.[18]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Used in conjunction with Indra-varuni roots and certain errhines to alleviate pain in the neck and arms.[19]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) A common remedy suggested for thirst that can provide relief, especially when used appropriately.[20]
From: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 6: Uttara-tantra
(1) A therapeutic agent often used in treatment, such as plunge-baths or sprinkling, to help revive a patient suffering from fainting fits.[21]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 4: Cikitsasthana
(1) A common element in various remedy preparations that may have cooling and purifying properties.[22]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The environment in which the girls are situated, indicating the temperature of the water they are standing in.[23]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) The temperature of water that causes a discomfort, especially when one is submerged for a long time.[24]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Mentioned in a context where the characters are in distress, shivering due to the cold, emphasizing their vulnerable state.[25]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Freshwater that is cool, providing refreshment and relief.[26]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) Water used in conjunction with warm water during the ceremony to moisten the hair.[27]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) A substance used to revive a person who has swooned, and it is applied to help them recover consciousness.[28]
Jain concept of 'Cold water'
In Jainism, cold water symbolizes simplicity and minimalism essential for monks' sustenance. It reflects a criticized lifestyle without true spiritual understanding, signifies potential impurity in alms, and is associated with the dietary practices of esteemed sages.
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) The beverage consumed by certain sages and great men, symbolizing simplicity in diet and life.[29] (2) A basic necessity for sustenance consumed by monks, indicating simplicity and minimalism in their lifestyle.[30] (3) Mentioned as part of a lifestyle that is criticized unless it is accompanied by genuine spiritual understanding.[31]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) A potentially impure substance that may be offered by the householder in the alms-bowl, which the mendicant should refuse.[32]
The concept of Cold water in local and regional sources
Cold water, in this context, serves two purposes: it cools hot water for an elder鈥檚 comfort and is part of rasayana therapies, believed to stabilize aging when consumed with milk, honey, and clarified butter.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Cold water is a part of the author's daily routine, as they take a dip in it after exercising in the morning.[33] (2) The water the letter writer hopes to avoid due to experiencing cramps, suggesting a physical discomfort related to the water.[34]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This is a substance mentioned in the context of rasayana therapies that is attributed to stabilizing age, and it is taken along with milk, honey and clarified butter.[35]
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) Water that is at a low temperature, describing the sustenance of Haemgils, a monk who lived in Ireland, supporting his declining age.[36]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) Water that the woman goes to fetch in order to cool the hot water for the old man.[37]