Significance of Crown of the head
The Crown of the head is a multifaceted concept across various traditions. In Shilpashastra, it serves as a measurement point for height and symbolizes regal aspects. Yoga views it as a focal point of spiritual significance during meditation. Jyotisha associates it with good fortune, while Vedanta describes it as the exit point of the soul, crucial for attaining immortality. Additionally, Rasashastra identifies it as a treatment site, and Mahayana correlates it with light emanation from the Tathagata's transformation-body. Overall, the Crown of the head is vital in both spiritual and physical realms.
Synonyms: Crown, Top, Peak, Summit, Apex, Top of the head, Pinnacle
In Dutch: Kroon van het hoofd; In Finnish: P盲盲n kruunu; In Spanish: Mollera; In German: Krone des Kopfes
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Crown of the head'
In Buddhism, the "Crown of the head" symbolizes the upper section of the Tathagata's transformation-body Buddha, from which radiant light beams emerge, representing enlightenment and spiritual illumination.
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Refers to the upper part of the Tathagata's transformation-body Buddha, from which light beams emanate.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Crown of the head'
In Hinduism, the "Crown of the head" signifies a crucial spiritual point for enlightenment, associated with the hundred and first vein, symbolizing a path to immortality, meditation focus, and auspiciousness.
From: Manasara (English translation)
(1) The topmost part of the head, from which measurements begin in defining height.[2] (2) The uppermost part of the head from which height measurements are taken.[3] (3) The top part of the lion's head from which height measurements are taken.[4] (4) Part of Garuda鈥檚 image that should be adorned with specific ornaments to signify its regal aspect.[5]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The location where the hundred and first artery is believed to penetrate, facilitating the soul's ascension.[6] (2) The location at the top of the head where the soul exits for those who know, signifying a special path to immortality.[7]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) The physical point through which the enlightened soul can ascend to immortality, associated with the hundred and first vein.[8]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) The specific location on a patient's body where treatment involves a needle and application of medicine.[9] (2) The top part of the head where the medicine is applied after being pricked with a needle.[10]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja鈥檚 Rajamartanda)
(1) One of the focal points from where flames are believed to issue, representing an area of spiritual significance during meditation.[11] (2) One of the focal points where the thinking principle can be directed during meditation, aiding steadfastness.[12]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) Location on the head where pimples, if breaking out, suggest good fortune.[13]
The concept of Crown of the head in local and regional sources
The "Crown of the head" is highlighted as a significant aspect of the human body in South Asian traditions, suggesting its universal importance within these cultural perspectives regarding anatomy and spirituality.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) The crown of the head is another vital point which is probably universal to south-Asian conceptions of the human body, according to the provided text.[14]