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Significance of Elixir of life

The Elixir of life in Vaishnavism symbolizes the name of Rama, providing comfort to devotees. In various traditions such as Purana and Yoga, it represents life-giving essences, spiritual fulfillment, and mythical substances promising immortality. The concept is tied to personal connections, longevity, and the human desire to escape aging and death, as illustrated across different contexts, including historical and mythical narratives. Science also acknowledges the Elixir of life in terms of health-promoting substances, like Ayurvedic medicines and water, emphasizing their importance for vitality and longevity.

Synonyms: Nectar of immortality, Life-giving essence, Ambrosia, Philosopher's stone

In Dutch: Elixer van het leven; In Finnish: El盲m盲n eliksiiri; In Spanish: Elixir de vida; In German: Lebenselixier; In Swedish: Livets elixir; In Malay: Elixir kehidupan; In French: 脡lixir de vie

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

Buddhist concept of 'Elixir of life'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, the Elixir of life symbolizes a mythical substance embodying the pursuit of immortality, as guarded by Vajrapani, and highlights the futility of escaping aging and death, represented by Sakka's life-giving water.

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

From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6

(1) The magical water from Sakka that brought the Kinnara back to life.[1]

From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada

(1) A mythical substance that represents the desire to escape the reality of aging and death, illustrating the futility of such attempts.[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).

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

From: The gods of northern Buddhism

(1) A mythical substance that grants immortality, which Vajrapani is said to guard.[3]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Elixir of life'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, the Elixir of life symbolizes Rama's name, represents health and longevity (rasayana), serves as a metaphor for spiritual essence against aging, and embodies the ultimate fulfillment derived from devotion and profound spiritual experiences.

Significance in Yoga (school of philosophy):
Yoga Books

From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)

(1) A specific form of essence that grants the powers of immortality or enhancement of capabilities.[4] (2) A metaphor for the spiritual essence that counteracts old age and death.[5]

From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja鈥檚 Rajamartanda)

(1) Symbolizes remote or extraordinary substances that are believed to possess life-extending properties, potentially located far away.[6]

Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as asanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4

(1) Contentment is described as the ultimate source of health and life.[7] (2) A mythical substance believed to grant immortality, questioned by the prince regarding the princess's newfound vitality.[8]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India鈥檚 vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Pancaratra (worship of N膩r膩ya峁嘺):
Pancaratra Books

From: Parama Samhita (English translation)

(1) A substance (rasayana) believed to provide longevity and health, often associated with fulfilling wishes.[9]

Pancaratra represents a tradition of Hinduism where Narayana is revered and worshipped. Closeley related to Vaishnavism, the Pancaratra literature includes various Agamas and tantras incorporating many Vaishnava philosophies.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation

(1) Symbolizes the name of Rama, which the Nayaki permits to be uttered as it provides her some solace and sustenance.[10]

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 (鈥榯en avatars of Vishnu鈥�).

The concept of Elixir of life in local and regional sources

History Books

The "Elixir of life" concept encompasses diverse interpretations: from a metaphor for infinite life and love's rejuvenating power to symbols of personal connections, mortality, and essential elements like water and air, reflecting human desires and existential themes.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) A metaphor for the desire for infinite life, associated with negative figures like Hitler, contrasting the wisdom of knowing when to embrace mortality.[11] (2) A metaphor for something that brings vitality, joy, or fulfillment, which is stated to be absent in the narrator's chosen path.[12] (3) Symbolizes hope and the rejuvenating effects of love and desire, suggesting that love is essential for vitality.[13] (4) Symbolizes the vital and sacred importance of water in the desert, representing life and sustenance.[14] (5) A vital substance, represented by leisure, that rejuvenates and uplifts human existence.[15]

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) This is described as Kaya-kalpa, which is a way that Rasayanas make the body immortal, and is mentioned in Swami Sivananda's explanation of rejuvenation.[16] (2) The idea that the elixir-of-life is available 鈥渋n their palaces鈥� may be derived from their alleged capacity for outwitting the gods by recuperating and even reviving themselves.[17]

From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints

(1) A metaphorical substance, referred to as divine nectar, suggesting that the name of God has the power to revive the dead.[18]