Significance of Middle of the body
The Middle of the body holds various interpretations across different philosophies. In Hinduism, it symbolizes the unity of the Sacrificer. Vaishnavism refers to it as kankala, the waist or central physique. Yoga identifies it as the area where the navel-wheel is located. Vedanta highlights it as the residence of Purusha, while Mahayana presents it as the mind's location, albeit debated by the Buddha. Thus, the Middle of the body serves as a crucial concept in understanding human existence across these traditions.
Synonyms: Trunk, Abdomen, Core, Waist
In Dutch: Midden van het lichaam; In Finnish: Vartalon keskiosa; In Spanish: Parte media del cuerpo; In German: °Ã¶°ù±è±ð°ù³¾¾±³Ù³Ù±ð
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Middle of the body'
In Buddhism, the "Middle of the body" is suggested by Ananda as the mind's location, but the Buddha questions this concept, highlighting the ambiguity surrounding the definition of 'middle.'
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The middle of the body is posited by Ananda as the location of the mind, but its validity is challenged by the Buddha due to the lack of a clear definition of 'middle'.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Middle of the body'
In Hinduism, the "Middle of the body" symbolizes unity and wholeness, representing the kankala (waist), the navel-wheel's location, and the Purusha's central residence, highlighting its significance in the Sacrificer's nature.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Refers to the term kankala, which means the waist or central part of a person's physique.[2]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) This refers to the specific location within the human body where the Purusha is said to reside, emphasizing its centrality.[3]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) In the context, this refers to the symbolic center of the Sacrificer, where the created beings are made to enter, representing unity and wholeness.[4]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) The central part of the body where the navel-wheel is situated.[5]
The concept of Middle of the body in local and regional sources
Middle of the body denotes a specific anatomical location in humans, differentiated from the navel, as noted in certain regional sources, offering an alternative perspective to definitions found in other Sanskrit literature.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This is a specific location on the human anatomy, distinct from the navel, which is generally said to be the middle of the body in other Sanskrit works.[6]