Significance of Dragon
Synonyms: Serpent, Beast, Monster, Creature, Leviathan
In Dutch: Draak; In Finnish: dzää; In Spanish: ٰó
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Dragon'
In Buddhism, the Dragon symbolizes fierce and transformative forces, representing powerful women, mythical beings with spiritual authority, womb-born entities, and its interaction with the Great Master signifies profound transformation and the unfolding of Dharma.
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Another form of womb-born beings that appear alongside humans and animals, denoting mythical or powerful creatures.[1] (2) Mythical beings with spiritual qualities, possessing the ability to transform and embody great power.[2]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A metaphor for women, portraying them as fierce and destructive forces that harm men without regard for morality.[3]
From: The 6th Patriarch Platform Sutra
(1) A creature that interacted with the Great Master, representing transformation and the unfolding of Dharma.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Dragon'
In Hinduism, the term “Dragon� refers to the lunar nodes, known in astrology as the 'head/tail of the dragon', which are significant but not classified as planets.
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) This is a term used to describe the lunar nodes in European works on astrology, which generally call them ‘the head/tail of the dragon� (caput/cauda draconis), but do not include them among the planets.[5]
The concept of Dragon in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Dragon" connects to supernatural beings in local traditions and is depicted in a Yangshao culture burial mosaic. It also specifically refers to the Chinese alligator, illustrating cultural significance and representation.
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) Supernatural beings that are referenced multiple times in connection to local beliefs and practices.[6]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This is an animal depicted in a mosaic image on the eastern side of a corpse in a Yangshao culture burial site, and is the Chinese alligator.[7]