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Significance of Black

The term Black is significant across various interpretations in different traditions. In Vaishnavism, it denotes a color linked to divine appearances, while Vedanta connects it to earth and darkness. Rasashastra categorizes Black as a quickly melting substance. In Theravada, it symbolizes negative aspects in Vesali's rules and is noted in the robes of Chabbaggiya Bhikkhus. Additionally, in Indian history, Black references certain rejuvenating herbs vital for specific preparations, reflecting its diverse cultural and spiritual meanings.1
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Synonyms: Dark, Raven, Coal, Onyx, Pitch, Sable, Pitch.

In Finnish: Musta; In Dutch: Zwart; In Spanish: Negro

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

Buddhist concept of 'Black'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, "Black" may symbolize negativity in Vesali's rules and represents one of the robe colors worn by Chabbaggiya Bhikkhus, indicating a complex blend of symbolism and tradition within the faith.

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

From: Vinaya Pitaka (4): Parivara

(1) A term mentioned as part of the rules laid down in Vesali, potentially symbolizing a negative aspect in the context.[1]

From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga

(1) A color of robes listed among those worn by the Chabbaggiya Bhikkhus.[2]

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 'Black'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Black symbolizes the earth, connects to specific appearances, represents a transient form (Chapala), and denotes darkness due to its capacity to obscure, highlighting its multifaceted significance in spiritual and material contexts.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)

(1) This describes a color that is linked to the earth, helping in the argument that the word 'anna' refers to the earth itself.[3] (2) The text references this color to denote darkness, on account of its covering and obscuring property.[4]

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 Rasashastra (chemistry and alchemy):
Rasashastra Books

From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 2: Minerals (uparasa)

(1) The fourth kind of Chapala, which also melts quickly and is considered useless.[5]

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 Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) A color referenced in the text, describing one of the appearances.[6]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu�).

The concept of Black in local and regional sources

History Books

Black refers to specific rejuvenating herbs mentioned in the text, which are cultivated for use in karpam preparations, highlighting their importance in traditional practices and herbal medicine.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) These herbs possess particular rejuvenating powers, and the text provides instructions for cultivating them, which are used in karpam preparations.[7]