Significance of Cow
Synonyms: Cattle, Beef, Heifer, Calf, Ox, Bull
In Spanish: Vaca; In German: Kuh; In Swedish: Ko; In Dutch: Koe; In Malay: Lembu; In Finnish: 尝别丑尘盲; In French: Vache
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Cow'
In Buddhism, "Cow" serves as a multifaceted symbol illustrating uniqueness, analogical cognition, and conventional naming, emphasizing differentiation, the nature of consciousness, and the clarity of definitions in understanding entities and their categories.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) An example used to illustrate a common name that denotes a universal category, highlighting its function against proper names.[1] (2) An example used to illustrate analogical cognition, where the remembered Cow is qualified by its similarity to the Gavaya.[2] (3) A symbol of differentiation focused on its uniqueness, emphasizing the exclusion of non-cows.[3] (4) Used as part of an analogy to demonstrate that modifications of the body do not influence the state of subjective consciousness.[4] (5) A reference point in the argument that demonstrates how an absence of defining features prevents identification of a thing as a certain form.[5]
Hindu concept of 'Cow'
In Hinduism, the cow symbolizes nourishment, motherhood, and agricultural prosperity, revered for its sacredness, connection to rituals, and selfless service, representing a vital aspect of both cultural and spiritual life.
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The cattle that are associated with the gopas and gopis, emphasizing their importance in the pastoral life depicted.[6] (2) The adult female bovines that are illustrated in the text as caring for their young calves.[7] (3) Domesticated farm animals, specifically two hundred thousand cows given as a significant part of the wedding gift.[8] (4) Domesticated animals mentioned in the text, which are significant for their association with the materials used in the bathing ritual.[9] (5) Refers to the cow held in esteem or possession by the sages, representing purity and perhaps a valuable resource.[10]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A significant animal in Hinduism, listed among the entities that are worthy of respect and reverence.[11] (2) The animals that the son is following, which may represent pastoral life and signify nourishment or community.[12]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) the animals that He tends to[13]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) An animal that, along with the bull, may be designated for the Brahmana, contingent upon feasibility.[14] (2) An animal mentioned as one of the recipients of the offerings made in the ritual.[15] (3) An important symbol and entity in religious practices, which should be treated with respect by passing it to the right.[16] (4) Cows are sacred in Hindu culture, and facing a cow while urinating is indicated as having negative consequences on a person's intelligence.[17]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) A significant animal in the rituals, representing life and prosperity, with the option to either kill or release it.[18]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) Domesticated animals that are milked for various purposes.[19]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) An important animal in many cultures, especially in rituals, where it is often involved in offerings and ceremonies.[20]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The whole word 鈥榗ow鈥� is not perceptible to the senses but is understood as a whole by the mind after its parts are perceived.[21] (2) When the word 鈥榗ow鈥� is uttered as an answer to the question ko'yam? (what is this?), it implies that it is the cow which is seen or some other suitable action.[22] (3) In the context of the phrase gam dogdhi payah, the cow serves primarily as a means to obtain the milk, making it relatively unimportant.[23]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) Represents the actual nature of the object that was mistakenly identified as more dangerous (the tiger).[24]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The animals given to Satyakama by Gautama for his service, symbolizing the wealth he is tasked to gather.[25]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Referred to in the context of clarified butter as 'the great ones,' implying their importance in sacrificial rites.[26] (2) Animals referenced in the context of inviolable offerings and sacrifices.[27]
Jain concept of 'Cow'
In Jainism, the Cow symbolizes not only a domesticated animal pivotal for agriculture but also embodies cultural significance, reflecting the religion's values of non-violence and reverence for all living beings.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A domesticated bovine animal, often associated with agricultural practices and cultural significance in various societies.[28]
The concept of Cow in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Cow" encompasses both a witness reinforcing a man's evil nature and a poem by Chettur that symbolizes societal indifference to suffering using cow imagery, highlighting themes of morality and human neglect.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A poem by Chettur that illustrates the indifference towards suffering in the world through the imagery of a cow.[29]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The cow was killed.[30]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) Another witness consulted by the man who affirms the man's wickedness and advises against letting him go.[31]