Significance of Flesh
The term "Flesh" has various meanings across different traditions. In Buddhism, it refers to the material used for meals, while Vaishnavism warns against animal flesh on specific days. Purana describes it as bodily tissue linked to creation and metaphorically connects it to the Asuras and other figures. Vedantic views associate flesh with earthly origins, whereas Dharmashastra highlights its connection to theft and expiation. Mahayana identifies it as soft body tissue, while historical contexts focus on physical desires linked to sin and suffering.
Synonyms: Meat, Tissue, Muscle, Skin, Pulp, Substance
In Dutch: Vlees; In Finnish: Lihaa; In Spanish: Carne; In German: Fleisch; In Malay: Daging; In Swedish: 碍枚迟迟
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Flesh'
In Buddhism, "Flesh" can be interpreted as both a physical substance, like the soft tissue of the body including muscle and fat, and a metaphoric essence, exemplified by its use in preparing sustenance, reflecting transient existence.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The soft tissue of the body, comprising muscle and fat, identified among the substances.[1]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) The substance that the royal cook took essence from to prepare the interim meal.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Flesh'
In Hinduism, "Flesh" symbolizes physical tissue derived from the earth, relates to body ailments like fever, embodies Asuras, and metaphorically denotes prey, while also referencing meat and its cultural implications on various rituals.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Refers metaphorically to the target or prey of the hawks, representing Jayadratha.[3]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) A reference to the physical embodiment of the Asuras, specifically in the context of their defeat.[4]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) The bodily tissue that is specifically impacted by anyedyu fever, highlighting the fever's selective influence on body parts.[5]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Commonly refers to meat, particularly in the context of theft that requires expiation.[6]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The meat of animals, which should be avoided on the dvadashi.[7]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) The text indicates that flesh arises from the earth when it is assimilated by a person, representing one of the outcomes according to the scripture.[8]
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) This is ruled by Saturn, describing the planetary rulers of body parts.[9]
The concept of Flesh in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Flesh" in the text indicates meat consumed by those lacking kindness, suggesting a connection to moral or ethical implications surrounding dietary choices and their reflection on individual character.
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) The flesh refers to the abbess's daughter, who was suffering from a grievous sickness, and the abbess wanted her to be the abbess in her stead.[10] (2) The flesh refers to the physical body, which Tortgyth was delivered from, indicating her death and release from earthly suffering.[11] (3) This term refers to the physical desires and temptations that can lead one to sin, and can take delight in sin.[12]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The flesh is the physical body, and the author mentions the potential loss of personal identity, even in the flesh.[13] (2) The author wants to get rid of the thraldom of this, referring to the physical body and its desires.[14]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Refers to meat which individuals who have no kindness consume.[15]