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Significance of Hridaya

Hridaya, in various philosophical and scientific contexts, primarily refers to the heart, regarded as a vital organ and center of spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. In Vaishnavism and the Puranas, it symbolizes spiritual connection and the essence of worship. Ayurveda views Hridaya as the seat of consciousness and emotions, crucial for life, circulation, and overall health. It is also seen as central to mental activity and balance in both emotional and physiological aspects, highlighting its multifaceted importance.1
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Synonyms: Heart, Soul, Core, Essence

In Dutch: Hridaya; In German: Hridaya; In Finnish: Hridaya; In Spanish: Hridaya

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

Hindu concept of 'Hridaya'

Hinduism Books

Hridaya in Hinduism signifies the heart as a pivotal element in meditation, spirituality, and understanding Dharma, representing the essence of devotion and connection to the universe while emphasizing the need for focused and sincere practices.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) The heart, which is expected to be resolutely fixed through sincere devotional practices.[1]

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 (‘ten avatars of Vishnu�).

Significance in Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy):
Natyashastra Books

From: Abhinaya-darpana (English)

(1) unsteady, flurried, the pupils moving somewhat (anaglulita), the lids recurved; it is used for mediocre things.[2]

Natyashastra refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (shastra) of performing arts, (natya—theatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing Dramatic plays (nataka), construction and performance of Theater, and Poetic works (kavya).

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad

(1) A Sanskrit term meaning 'heart', which is essential in the context of meditation on the nature of Brahman.[3]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) Term indicating the heart or conscience as central to understanding actions and their alignments with Dharma.[4]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

The concept of Hridaya in local and regional sources

History Books

Hridaya relates to the concept of the heart in South-Asian culture, symbolizing a vital point of emotional and spiritual significance within the understanding of the human body. It embodies a universal connection to inner essence.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) This word refers to the heart, which is considered a vital point and is probably a universal concept in South-Asian understanding of the body.[5]