Significance of Wind Element
The Wind Element is a significant concept across various traditions, each interpreting it through their unique lens. In Tibetan Buddhism, it symbolizes the stage of dying, freedom, and clarity. Vaishnavism connects it to resilience amid sorrow, while the Purana describes its cosmic and imperceptible nature, emphasizing movement and energy. Ayurveda associates it with qualities like lightness and dryness, while Mahayana regards it as essential to existence and thought movement. Theravada sees it as a physical element that facilitates motion and connects intentions with actions.
In Dutch: Windelement; In German: Windelement; In Finnish: Tuuli elementti; In Spanish: Elemento viento; In Finnish: Tuulielementti; In Malay: Elemen Angin; In Swedish: Vindelement; In French: 脡l茅ment vent
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Wind Element'
The Wind Element in Buddhism embodies movement, change, and the transient nature of existence. It symbolizes the connection between mind and body, illustrating freedom, clarity, and the processes of life and death. Recognized as vayu, it is superior to fire.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A fundamental aspect described as pervading the body and being conditioned by the mind; it connects mental intentions with physical movements.[1] (2) The fourth of the physical elements representing movement and change in the context of existence.[2]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) Characterized by motion and distension, it facilitates movement and physical posture.[3] (2) The element related to movement and distension, encompassing all forms of wind, respiration, and the forces within the body.[4]
From: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]
(1) This is a fundamental element of existence, and the text explains how the sphere of total reality relates to it, while also explaining that the sphere of total reality does not have the essential characteristic of motility.[5] (2) The element of wind is one of the four outer elements that provides beings with various kinds of pleasure in various ways.[6]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The wind element called vayu, is deemed superior to fire due to its movement and is noted for not being visible or possessing any tastes or touches.[7]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) An essential aspect of existence that symbolizes the movement of thoughts and the transient nature of all things.[8]
From: The Six Yogas of Naropa
(1) The Air element is one of the elements, and when the fire enters into the air, the fire spark appears.[9] (2) The air-element signifies the stage of dying where bodily warmth concentrates at the extremities as the process continues.[10]
Hindu concept of 'Wind Element'
The Wind Element in Hinduism symbolizes lightness, energy, and movement, reflecting subtlety in actions, life force, spiritual transcendence, and resilience amidst sorrow, showcasing its profound connection to both the physical and metaphysical realms.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) One of the five elements that represents movement and energy in living beings.[11] (2) Represents Suka identifying with the cosmic element, indicating his deep spiritual realization and transcendence.[12] (3) A primal element that vanishes when breath is restrained, contributing to the concept of life.[13] (4) A metaphor for the subtle and imperceptible nature of Vipula's actions when he enters Ruci's body.[14]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The component of the four elements that remained strong despite the sorrow experienced by the cowherd boys, as it passed through their nostrils.[15]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) A proto-element connected to qualities including lightness and dryness, which contribute to the properties of various food items.[16]
The concept of Wind Element in local and regional sources
The Wind Element, associated with the body alongside earth, water, and fire, reflects the concept of vata or vayo, indicating a shared root meaning and its role in understanding bodily functions and humours.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This element is clearly linked to a single humour, and the connection exists because vata and vayo are essentially the same term, sharing the meaning of their root.[17] (2) This is in the body, along with the earth, water, and fire elements, as a mendicant examines their own body according to the elements.[18]