Significance of Sugar cane
Sugar cane plays a significant role across various traditions and disciplines, symbolizing different concepts. In Hinduism and Jainism, it is associated with rituals and divine power, while agricultural practices in South Asia emphasize its cultivation. In Ayurveda, sugar cane is valued for its health benefits and sweetness, and in Dharmashastra, it serves as a metaphor for the rewards of righteousness. Additionally, historically, sugar cane represents competition and sustenance in Indian culture. Overall, sugar cane is recognized as an important crop with various meanings in different contexts.
Synonyms: Sugarcane, Sweet cane, Cane sugar, Saccharum officinarum, Cane
In Spanish: Cana de azucar; In Dutch: Suikerriet; In Finnish: Sokeriruoko; In German: Zuckerrohr; In Swedish: 厂辞肠办别谤谤枚谤; In Malay: Tebu; In French: Canne 脿 sucre
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Sugar cane'
In Buddhism, sugar cane symbolizes both a resource and a metaphor. It signifies nourishment, represents inadequate comparisons by individuals, and illustrates the crushing fate of the doomed, akin to mountains converging.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A resource found on the island which the men enjoyed.[1] (2) A food item the young brahmin encountered, which he compared inadequately to a plough鈥檚 shaft.[2]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (2): Bhikkhuni-vibhanga (the analysis of Nun鈥� rules)
(1) A plant from which molasses is produced, recognized as an acceptable food item.[3]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) A metaphor used to describe how the doomed are crushed as the mountains come together.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Sugar cane'
In Hinduism, sugar cane symbolizes the pursuit of righteousness yielding rewards, represents nurturing individuals, serves as food in rituals, and highlights important agricultural practices, while also being used in various ceremonial and dietary applications.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A metaphorical reference used to illustrate that while pursuing righteousness, one naturally acquires other rewards like fame and happiness.[5] (2) A type of plant used as food, noted in the offerings that keep forefathers satisfied at Shraddha.[6] (3) A plant that is produced in relation to the type of seeds utilized in cultivation.[7]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A plant whose products are offered as sweets, mentioned alongside other offerings.[8]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Represents the devout individuals with sweet dispositions, symbolizing their gentle and nurturing nature.[9]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) A plant from which sugar is derived, also part of the recommended diet.[10]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances
(1) A plant whose juice may be used as a substitute for gurh in the preparation of Gura-shukta.[11]
From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)
(1) A plant from which sugar is derived, used as an alternative for making rock sugar.[12]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 1: Sutrasthana
(1) A plant whose juice is both sweet and heavy, traditionally used to produce various sweeteners with distinct qualities in digestion and health impact.[13]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) This is another specific item that the cow provided, highlighting its role as a source of various foods and drinks, showcasing its significance in the context.[14] (2) Sugar-cane was one of the foods provided for the grooms, showing the variety of options available.[15]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) There are two vidhritis of sugar-cane used in the sacrifice to prevent the mixing up of barhis and prastara.[16]
Jain concept of 'Sugar cane'
In Jainism, sugar cane symbolizes both impermanence and purity; it is seen as impure for ascetic consumption, represents divine power when taken by a Master, and becomes unacceptable if it deteriorates.
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) A type of food item that is deemed impure and unacceptable for ascetic consumption.[17] (2) A sweet plant that becomes unacceptable if it shows signs of decay or degradation.[18]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) An item taken by the Master, symbolizing his divine power and connection to the earth.[19]
The concept of Sugar cane in local and regional sources
Sugar cane is essential in the region, serving as a primary ingredient for beverages, flourishing in agriculture, and symbolizing competition and misunderstandings while being central to local culture and culinary practices.
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) A type of crop that flourishes in Punacha, highlighting agricultural practices in the region; notable because no grapes are grown there.[20] (2) A plant abundant in the kingdom of Gandhara, from which the local population prepares solid sugar.[21]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The food item that the King and Queen are eating, which attracts the male Red Ant and his wife.[22]
From: The travels of Fa-Hian (400 A.D.)
(1) Sugar-cane is one of the plants that may be found in the region, alongside bamboos.[23]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) A type of crop that both the barber and Koeri plant, serving as a focal point for their competition.[24] (2) A crop that Ujar mistakenly destroys, representing the consequences of misunderstandings.[25]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This is the primary source material for a variety of drinks, including the prototypical sidhu, and is a crucial ingredient in their production.[26]