Significance of Udana
Udana encompasses various interpretations across different philosophical systems. In Buddhism, it involves solemn utterances by figures like the Buddha, expressing realizations and reflections on spiritual journeys and insights. In Purana, it refers to a life-wind associated with upward movement, affecting mental and physical states. Yoga describes it as a vital air influencing consciousness, while Vedanta associates it with vital energy and the process of death. Mahayana highlights udana as exclamations or profound sayings, and Theravada identifies it with joyful expressions and teachings of the Buddha.
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The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Udana'
Udana in Buddhism is a compilation of poetic expressions and profound sayings attributed to the Buddha, reflecting emotional insights and realizations about solitude, joy, and spiritual journeys, included in the Khuddaka-nikaya.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A Buddhist text that contains teachings and accounts of the Buddha’s life, referencing the misunderstanding of Venerable Bhaddiya's joy.[1] (2) A solemn utterance or expression of realization shared by the Buddha regarding solitude and its value.[2] (3) A poetic expression or exclamation made by Yasa reflecting his discontent with worldly pleasures.[3] (4) Expressions of joy and realization made by the Buddha, categorized into manasa-udana (mental expressions) and vacasa-udana (verbal expressions).[4]
From: Dhammapada (translated from the Pali)
(1) Udana is a collection of verses reflecting Buddha's inspirational sayings, included in the Khuddaka-nikaya.[5]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) An utterance mostly in matrical form inspired by a particularly intense emotion.[6]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Solemn utterance or recitation, often related to manifesting previous deeds or insights.[7] (2) Solemn utterance made by the thera Ekanjalika to express his recollection of former deeds, embodying his spiritual journey.[8]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A type of anga characterized by the inclusion of exclamations.[9]
Hindu concept of 'Udana'
Udana in Hinduism represents an upward-carrying life energy crucial for separating the Jiva from the body, facilitating functions like speech, mental activities, and the transition during death, symbolizing strength in meditation.
From: Prashna Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The life-energy that helps in the ejection of the Jiva from the body at the time of death or in deep sleep, recognized as a distinct function of prana.[10] (2) An upward-carrying function that separates the Jiva from one vehicle to another, representing the fruit of sacrifice.[11]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The door at the top of the heart, known as udana, which facilitates the passage of air from the feet to the head and supports bodily functions.[12]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The uppermost vital air in the Heart, symbolizing Strength and Greatness in meditation practices.[13]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) An aspect of the vital force associated with upward movement, and it is said to rest on samana.[14]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The upward-moving energy in the body, important for certain physiological processes, including speech.[15]
From: Prashna Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The fruit of sacrifice that directs the mind, the sacrificer, during sleep towards Brahman and ceases its activity.[16]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) An upward-moving energy connected with speech and upward movements in the body.[17]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A specific term referring to the force or function associated with the vital energy, likened to fire, which plays a role in the process of death and subsequent rebirth.[18]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) A vital air that ascends from the back of the neck to the head, characterized by its upward movement.[19]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The upward-acting Prana responsible for ascension and related to conscious and vital functions.[20]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) A life-wind associated with the upward movement, contributing to the pleasure resulting from mental operations and physical unions.[21]