Significance of Mustard seed
The concept of mustard seed appears across various traditions, each inferring distinct symbolic meanings. In Jainism, it pertains to the sprouting of mustard plants, while in South Asia, it fills canal basins and serves agricultural purposes. Tibetan Buddhism uses mustard seed as a metaphor for the transformation of universes into a compact form. Vaishnavism highlights its insignificance when juxtaposed with divinity, while in Ayurvedic practices, it serves as a measurement unit. Mustard seed remains emblematic of life, spiritual growth, and transformations in numerous cultural contexts.
Synonyms: Sinapis alba, Brassica nigra
In Dutch: Mosterdzaad; In Finnish: Sinapinsiemen; In Spanish: Semilla de mostaza; In German: 厂别苍蹿办枚谤苍别谤; In Swedish: 厂别苍补辫蝉蹿谤枚; In Malay: Biji sawi; In French: Graine de moutarde
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Mustard seed'
In Buddhism, the mustard seed symbolizes impermanence, the quest for life amid death, the release from desires, and the universality of loss, while also representing subtlety in meditation and the vastness of existence condensed into singularity.
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A figurative representation of desires and attachments that, when they fall away from the mind, indicate a higher state of spiritual realization.[1] (2) The object of Kisagotami's quest, symbolizing the search for life amidst the universal truth of death; she was asked to find them from a house where no death had occurred.[2] (3) A symbol used by the Buddha to illustrate the universality of death, as it must be sought from a household that has not faced loss.[3]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Items in the example representing the countless beings the bodhisattva seeks to save, taken away one at a time over an extended period.[4] (2) A reference to the act of breaking the Buddha's bones into tiny pieces as he prepares for his transition; symbolizes the impermanence of physical form.[5]
From: The Six Yogas of Naropa
(1) A metaphorical reference to the size of the words visualized during meditation, indicating subtlety and clarity.[6]
Hindu concept of 'Mustard seed'
In Hinduism, the mustard seed symbolizes insignificance in relation to divine power, serves medicinal purposes, represents sacred rituals, and illustrates the universe's smallness compared to the immense nature of deities like Lord Ananta and Lord Balarama.
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) A measure of the pill's weight for children up to 15 years of age, indicating a smaller dose.[7] (2) The size reference for the pills made from a mixture of medicinal ingredients.[8] (3) Seeds used in the preparation process that contribute to the overall effects of the medicinal mixture.[9] (4) The size reference for the pills that are to be formed from the rubbed ingredients.[10] (5) The size reference for the pills made from the mixture, indicating they should be small like a mustard seed.[11]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances
(1) Particles that resemble mustard seeds found in the holes or pores of the Sarshapa tuber.[12] (2) Seeds from the mustard plant that are included in the fermentation process, contributing to the flavor profile.[13]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 5: Treatment of various afflictions
(1) A type of seed referred to as 'sarshapa', represented as 6 units in the provided text.[14]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A comparison made to illustrate the insignificance of the universe's weight in relation to the powerful being that holds it.[15] (2) A metaphor used to illustrate the lightness and insignificance of the universe compared to Lord Ananta's capacity.[16] (3) A metaphor employed to describe the universe's size in relation to Anantadeva's form, emphasizing His immense nature.[17] (4) A small seed used as a metaphorical reference to demonstrate how thick and dense the crowd was, to the extent that it would not reach the ground if dropped.[18]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A tiny seed used in a simile to illustrate how the entire earth appears small and insignificant when considered with respect to Rama's power.[19] (2) A comparison used to describe the earth's smallness as held by Lord Balarama.[20]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) A specific type of seed mixed with other grains for fumigation in the ritual.[21] (2) Two seeds used in conjunction with a formula during the ceremony, symbolizing fertility and procreation.[22]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A type of seed that is involved in the offerings made during the ceremony.[23]
From: Apastamba Grihya-sutra
(1) Seeds used in the ceremonial sacrifice alongside rice-chaff during the rituals.[24]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) A specific example used in the argument to illustrate the difference in constituent parts compared to larger entities like a mountain.[25]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) A small seed referenced to highlight the diminutive nature of the Self.[26]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Seeds planted by Kadaligarbha along her route, which serve as a means to find her way back to her father's hermitage later.[27] (2) Elements that, when taken from a demon's possession, provide Vidushaka with the ability to fly through the air.[28]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Seeds utilized in rituals, contributing to the sanctification of the lying-in room.[29]
Jain concept of 'Mustard seed'
In Jainism, the mustard seed symbolizes the duration of growth, as it represents the seeds from mustard plants, which are referenced in discussions regarding their sprouting time and the importance of life cycles.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) seeds derived from mustard plants, mentioned in the context of discussing their sprouting duration.[31]
The concept of Mustard seed in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Mustard seed" is connected to various regional practices, including facilitating transport, aiding almsgiving, enabling tracking of lovers, and assisting in crop collection for royal duties, demonstrating its cultural significance and versatility.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The banyan seed, though tiny as a mustard seed, has the potential for greatness.[32] (2) The size of faith that can move mountains, and it is referenced in the Gospel, and it is the faith that will allow you to know the Truth.[33] (3) Mustard-seed is mentioned to compare the size of the banyan-seed.[34]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) A seed given by the herd boy to the bonga girl, which is used as a method of giving alms to beggars.[35] (2) A seed that the old woman tied to the horse's tail, which allowed her sons to track the lovers.[36]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The crops Kota is tasked to collect for the King, assisted by the doves he released earlier.[37]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) Used to fill a canal basin for transporting someone to Rajagriha.[38]