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Significance of Smoke

The concept of smoke holds various interpretations across different philosophies. In Hinduism, it represents the initial state of fire associated with Rudra and the consumption of food belonging to others. Tibetan Buddhism uses smoke as an analogy to indicate the nature of objects, emphasizing that it signifies fire but does not create it. Vedanta challenges the idea that smoke is only present with fire, while Indian history describes smoke as a visible suspension that obscures perception.1
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Synonyms: Mist

In Finnish: Savu; In Dutch: Rook; In Spanish: Fumar

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

Buddhist concept of 'Smoke'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, smoke symbolizes an indicator that signifies the presence of something greater, like fire. It serves as a metaphor to illustrate deeper truths, representing external signs that aid in comprehending the nature of phenomena.

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]

(1) A visible product of combustion that serves as an indicative sign of fire.[1] (2) An external sign used in the analogy to assist in understanding the nature of the objects being discussed.[2] (3) An analogy used to illustrate that like an Indicator, smoke merely indicates fire but does not create it.[3]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Hindu concept of 'Smoke'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, smoke symbolizes a transient presence linked to fire, particularly in relation to Rudra, who represents the consuming aspect. Even after fire is extinguished, smoke persists, suggesting deeper meanings of impermanence and transformation.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)

(1) A substance that is part of the path of the fathers, and is connected to the journey of those who perform ishtis, and leads to the moon, and is mentioned in the context of scripture.[4] (2) Smoke is observed only when fire exists, but the provided text argues against this, presenting scenarios where smoke can be observed even after the fire is extinguished.[5]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Hinduism (general):

From: Satapatha-brahmana

(1) The initial state of fire that represents Rudra, associated with consuming food belonging to others.[6]

The concept of Smoke in local and regional sources

History Books

The keyphrase "Smoke" denotes a visible suspension of airborne particles that can hinder visibility, particularly affecting the perception of beauty. This implies that smoke can distort our appreciation of aesthetics in our surroundings.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) A visible suspension of airborne particles, which serves to obscure perception, especially of beauty.[7]