Significance of Heart
Synonyms: Cardiac, Core, Spirit, Soul, Emotion, Center
In Malay: Hati; In Dutch: Hart; In Finnish: 厂测诲盲苍; In Spanish: 颁辞谤补锄贸苍; In German: Herz; In Swedish: 贬箩盲谤迟补; In French: 颁舱耻谤
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Heart'
In Buddhism, 'Heart' signifies an individual's core of strength and commitment, the center of emotion and spiritual significance in meditation, and a transformative space for metta. It symbolizes consciousness, emotions, and the focus of Dhamma practice, embodying both spiritual and physical essence.
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) The heart is like a wound which needs to be looked after and which can get worse when it comes into contact with all sorts of things all the time, and this is also the aim of the Dhamma Teaching.[1] (2) This is the core of each individual that the work comes from, demanding a complete commitment of strength, power, and without concern for survival, making the work unlikely to be forgotten once done.[2] (3) The place where the Dhamma enters as the refuge and gives results when one is in the greatest need of a refuge, providing immediate experience and no room for doubt, and is also the location where fear resides.[3] (4) This refers to the citta, the mind, and the seat of emotions, and is the central focus of the training and discipline in the practice of Dhamma.[4] (5) This is the core of one's being, where the path of Buddhism immediately went deeply into Sariputta's and the place where peace is felt.[5]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) An organ central to the circulatory system, located near the middle of the body.[6]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) An important organ listed as part of the physical substances, associated with bodily function and spiritual significance.[7]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Symbolically referred to as the center of consciousness or existence in the context of spiritual teachings.[8]
Hindu concept of 'Heart'
In Hinduism, the heart symbolizes the spiritual and emotional center of being, associated with consciousness, devotion, and the presence of the divine. It represents the true Self, emotional responses, and is a focal point for meditation.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The emotional center of a person, where feelings and sentiments are experienced.[9] (2) In this context, it refers to the seat of Nityananda Candra's presence within Purushottama dasa, symbolizing inner awareness and spiritual connection.[10] (3) Symbolically refers to the inner emotional state of the individuals.[11] (4) A symbol of emotions and spiritual connection, particularly in the context of feeling ecstatic love.[12] (5) The emotional or spiritual center of the speaker, where deep feelings such as hope reside.[13]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) This symbolizes the emotional or spiritual response, suggesting a feeling of deep understanding or realization.[14] (2) The heart serves as a metaphorical reference to a person's center of emotion and spirituality in which Lord Krishna resided.[15] (3) The heart in the context implies the seat of emotions and desires in a person, which can either bind them or set them free.[16] (4) Symbolically represents the emotional and spiritual state of the gopis, where the doubt has taken root.[17] (5) Symbolizes the inner feelings and sentiments where devotion to Krishna resides.[18]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) the inner emotional or spiritual self, referred to as 'cetah' in the text[19] (2) The essence of the being where pure discrimination occurs and where bhakti manifests once purified.[20] (3) The place where knowledge of realms and their true nature manifests, according to Gopa-kumara's reflections.[21] (4) The internal place where devotees like Shri Prahlada experience the presence of the Lord.[22] (5) The spiritual center where the essence of pure love for Shri Krishna can manifest, reflecting the true feelings of the devotee.[23]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Symbolizes the seat of emotions and devotion, which Uddhava offers to the Lord as he embraces Him.[24] (2) The emotional and spiritual center where the feelings of joy and love expressed through preyo-rasa are experienced.[25] (3) In this context, the emotional and spiritual center where devotion to the Lord resides.[26] (4) Referring to the emotional and spiritual center where vishnu-bhakti is said to arise.[27]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) A metaphorical space representing the emotional and spiritual core where the Lord resides within the Alvar.[28] (2) In this context, heart represents the emotional or spiritual center of the speaker, symbolizing where the Supreme Lord resides.[29]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) The soul's dwelling place, which becomes illuminated, thereby initiating the soul's departure from the body, influenced by knowledge and the practice of meditation, guiding its path.[30] (2) Referring to the heart, the highest Self is described as being of a specific size, and this concept relates to the study of the Veda, representing the Lord's presence within.[31] (3) The location where the vidya of a person exists, and where the connection of veins and rays is described within the provided text.[32] (4) This is the abode of Brahman in the Sandilya-vidya, as stated in the text, and it is also mentioned in the dahara-vidya.[33] (5) This is a term that is used in the text, and the text discusses whether it refers to the highest reality.[34]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Symbolically represents the center of being or consciousness where the true Self is realized.[35] (2) The symbolic location where the supreme ether (akasha) is considered to reside, embodying the essence of being and consciousness.[36] (3) The metaphorical location in which the intellect and supreme space are implied to exist.[37] (4) Symbolically refers to the center of consciousness where prana resides and connects the seeker to Brahman.[38] (5) A metaphorical space where the Self is said to be lodged, representing the emotional and spiritual center of a person.[39]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The place through which the soul is said to pass forth, utilizing the hundred and first artery.[40] (2) A metaphorical representation of emotions and spiritual essence, linked to the inner self or consciousness.[41]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) Symbolically represents the Buddhi or intellect, which is believed to be the seat of consciousness and understanding.[42] (2) Symbolically represents the inner self or core of consciousness where true understanding and realization occur.[43]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara鈥檚 Commentary
(1) Symbolizes the center of consciousness or existence where entities are believed to dwell.[44]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The organ described as shaped like a lotus bud, serving as the focus for meditation on Brahman.[45]
From: Prashna Upanishad with Shankara鈥檚 Commentary
(1) A metaphorical space where mental tendencies converge, suggesting a deeper integration of consciousness.[46]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The place of union for Indra and Viraj, symbolizing the inner essence of beings and the center of life force.[47]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) A symbolic representation of the emotional and spiritual center of a person.[48]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Symbolically represents the center of emotion and intent in the context of devotion.[49] (2) One of the aspects of worship where devotion is directed towards the emotional and spiritual center.[50]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) This refers to the state of the Vanars' emotions, which were dispelled by Bali's son, encouraging them to return to battle.[51] (2) This is an organ that felt sorrow.[52]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The heart discriminates which ideas are agreeable and which are disagreeable.[53]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) The innermost being where the director and instructor are said to reside.[54]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) A symbolic reference to the emotional or spiritual center where consecration takes place.[55]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A term often associated with the Soul, indicating the center of emotions and spiritual essence.[56]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A metaphorical reference to the emotional or spiritual well-being of the mother, which is positively affected by the child's birth.[57]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) Referred to as Mahat or Artha, the heart is considered central and essential for various bodily functions.[58]
The concept of Heart in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Heart" embodies the essence of being, representing emotions, compassion, and the journey towards inner truth. It serves as a vital organ influencing health and a metaphor for spiritual enlightenment and intellectual insight.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The heart becomes pure through good Karma, allowing Shiva, who resides in every one, to become manifest, as described in the provided text.[59] (2) This represents the emotional connection and well wishes that are being sent, even though physical presence is not possible.[60] (3) This is an organ in the body that can be brought back into consciousness and controlled, along with other parts of the body, as part of the first work of study.[61] (4) The heart is a part of the Buddhist that should be combined with the intellect of the Brahmins to bring about positive change.[62] (5) The heart is the place where the teacher resides, and where you can find the teaching of the creeds and philosophies.[63]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) The heart, also known as hridaya, is a vital point, and is considered a probable universal point in south-Asian conceptions of the human body.[64] (2) The heart is the source of blood, one of the four essential elements in Menecrates鈥� formulation, and is considered one of the causes of diseases.[65]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Metaphorically used to represent one's inner self or emotional core, connected to God.[66]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Symbolizes kindness and compassion, reflecting emotional depth.[67]
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) This is where the Catholic faith was firmly established after the miracle.[68]
The concept of Heart in scientific sources
The keyphrase "Heart" encompasses various cultural and medical perspectives, being viewed as the center of consciousness in Ayurveda, a yang organ in Chinese medicine, a vital blood-pumping organ, and a historic symbol of the soul in ancient civilizations.
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) This organ was regarded as the most important part of the soul by the Egyptians, and Aristotle preferred it over the brain as the seat of the soul, and it also has four chambers.[69] (2) This is a yang organ in the human body, according to Chinese traditional medicine, along with the liver.[70]