365bet娱乐

Significance of Philosopher's stone

The Philosopher's stone is a legendary and metaphorical symbol across various traditions, representing both material and spiritual transformations. It is sought for its ability to turn base metals into gold and grant ultimate wisdom or enlightenment. Various interpretations include its role as a metaphor for unattainable desires, transformational knowledge, and the pursuit of ultimate truths. In alchemical traditions, it signifies potential and abundance, while in spiritual contexts, it embodies the aspirations for enlightenment and personal growth.

Synonyms: Elixir of life, Magnum opus

In Dutch: Steen der Wijzen; In Finnish: Viisasten kivi; In Spanish: Piedra filosofal; In German: Stein der Weisen

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

Buddhist concept of 'Philosopher's stone'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, the Philosopher's stone symbolizes potential power, material success through generosity, and the pursuit of ultimate enlightenment, representing both personal spiritual achievement and the fulfillment of desires to aid others.

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

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) A metaphor or symbol of ultimate enlightenment or spiritual achievement that the bodhisattva relentlessly pursues to help others.[1] (2) An allegorical element of lore representing ultimate achievement and fulfillment of desires.[2] (3) A legendary substance believed to facilitate wealth or material success, here symbolizing the rewards of practicing generosity.[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.

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

From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6

(1) A magical item offered by the Yakkha to her son, signifying potential power and the ability to defy limitations.[4]

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).

Hindu concept of 'Philosopher's stone'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, the Philosopher's Stone symbolizes ultimate transformation, representing enlightenment, spiritual growth, and the pursuit of knowledge. It embodies the potential to achieve wealth and fulfillment, transcending material desires in favor of higher truths.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4

(1) A metaphor for the ultimate source of wisdom and transformation beneficial to one's spiritual growth.[5] (2) A metaphor for a transformational source of knowledge and wisdom that leads to ultimate truth.[6] (3) A metaphorical object representing ultimate wisdom or truth, often sought after but rarely found.[7] (4) A symbol of transformative knowledge that has the power to change base qualities into noble ones.[8] (5) A legendary substance in alchemy symbolizing ultimate transformation and abundance, representing the potential to achieve the impossible.[9]

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) A metaphor for enlightenment or ultimate knowledge that brings fulfillment and happiness, similar to the joy attributed to achieving Brahman.[10]

From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)

(1) A historical and mythical substance in alchemical traditions believed to transform base metals into gold and grant immortality; used metaphorically to represent the pursuit of knowledge and discovery.[11]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India鈥檚 vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Kavya (poetry):
Kavya Books

From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)

(1) A metaphor for the wondrous and rare qualities of the city where Naravahanadatta finds himself, emphasizing its magical essence.[12] (2) A term that possesses the wonderful property of converting everything into solid gold, sought by sages and alchemists as a means to achieve wealth and transform base metals into noble ones.[13]

Kavya refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or 鈥榚pic poetry鈥� and natya, or 鈥榙ramatic poetry鈥�.

Significance in Rasashastra (chemistry and alchemy):
Rasashastra Books

From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances

(1) The yellow variety of Kanta iron that is said to transform base metals by mere touch.[14]

From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 1: Initiation, Mercury and Laboratory

(1) An advanced form of mercury, referred to as Sparsamani, capable of transforming any metal into gold or silver by mere touch.[15]

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 Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)

(1) A legendary substance sought by alchemists believed to turn base metals into gold and grant longevity.[16]

Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

The concept of Philosopher's stone in local and regional sources

History Books

The Philosopher's stone symbolizes Kipling's talent for revealing profound insights and truths in his literature, serving as a metaphor for his exceptional ability to transform ordinary thoughts into valuable wisdom.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) Philosopher's stone is mentioned in the story of the nautch-girl of Khetri, and it is a metaphor used to describe how things can change.[17] (2) This was something men went in search of when chemistry began as alchemy, according to the provided text.[18]

From: Triveni Journal

(1) A metaphor used to imply that Kipling had a unique ability to uncover valuable insights and truths in his writings.[19]

Plural form: Philosopher's stones.