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Significance of Fresh milk

Fresh milk holds significant importance across various domains, symbolizing nourishment and value in Hinduism, as seen in offerings to deities and religious figures. In Rasashastra, it enhances mica properties, while Mahayana texts reference it as a royal offering to the Buddha. Theravada highlights fresh milk as a nutritious gift to the Lord and the Bhikkhus. Kavyashastra denotes it as a symbol of purity and vitality, and scientifically, it refers to newly produced milk free from spoilage and pathogens.

Synonyms: Raw milk, Pasteurized milk, Whole milk, Dairy milk

In Dutch: Verse melk; In Finnish: Tuore maito; In Spanish: Leche fresca; In German: Frische Milch; In Malay: Susu segar; In Swedish: Färsk mjölk

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Fresh milk'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, fresh milk symbolizes nourishment, hospitality, and respect, exemplified by its offerings to the Buddha from the king of Magadha and Mendaka, reflecting the community's devotion to supporting the monastic order.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga

(1) The specific offering that Mendaka provided to the Bhikkhus, highlighting the hospitality and respect towards the religious community.[1]

From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka

(1) A type of nutrition brought by cowherds to offer to the Lord during his visit.[2]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) A dairy product requested by the king of Magadha to offer to the Buddha and his disciples.[3]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Fresh milk'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, fresh milk symbolizes nourishment and purity, vital for enhancing offerings and rituals. It represents revitalization and value, particularly as an unprocessed product derived from cows, highlighting its sacred significance in spiritual practices.

Significance in Rasashastra (chemistry and alchemy):
Rasashastra Books

From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 2: Minerals (uparasa)

(1) Unprocessed milk used at multiple stages for enhancing the properties of mica during its preparation.[4]

Rasashastra is an important branch of Ayurveda, specialising in chemical interactions with herbs, metals and minerals. Some texts combine yogic and tantric practices with various alchemical operations. The ultimate goal of Rasashastra is not only to preserve and prolong life, but also to bestow wealth upon humankind.

Significance in Hinduism (general):

From: Satapatha-brahmana

(1) An essential product that comes from the cow, symbolizing nourishment and value in the context of offerings.[5]