Significance of Scented oil
Scented oil, in various traditions, plays a significant role in rituals, spirituality, and personal wellness. In Buddhism, it signifies purity and reverence in offerings and sacred ceremonies. South Asia associates it with mystical experiences from stupas, while Tibetan Buddhism interprets it as a metaphor for spiritual calmness. Vaishnavism sees it as an expression of care and devotion, particularly in deity worship. Ayurveda utilizes scented oils for grooming and therapeutic purposes. Overall, scented oil embodies reverence, devotion, and sensory enhancement across multiple cultural contexts.
Synonyms: Fragrant oil, Aromatic oil, Essential oil, Perfumed oil
In Dutch: Geurende olie; In Finnish: Tuoksuinen 枚ljy; In Spanish: Aceite perfumado; In German: 顿耻蹿迟枚濒
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Scented oil'
Scented oil in Buddhism symbolizes purity, reverence, and care, used in rituals for the Bodhisattva, to honor Buddha, enhance spiritual practice, and create a luxurious, calming environment through its aromatic qualities.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Scented oil was used to fuel a lamp that burned in the horse's stall, contributing to the luxurious environment.[1] (2) The type of oil used to keep a lamp burning in the foal's luxurious dwelling.[2] (3) An aromatic substance used to keep the lamp burning near the mango tree, indicating care and reverence.[3] (4) Refers to the luxurious treatment offered to the villager, involving anointment and the washing of feet.[4]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) Fragrant oils offered to the queen, used in rituals and ceremonies during the birth of Bodhisattva.[5] (2) Materials used in rituals and offerings to honor Buddha, typically associated with purity and reverence.[6]
Hindu concept of 'Scented oil'
In Hinduism, scented oils symbolize devotion and care in rituals, used for anointing deities and enhancing ceremonial atmospheres. They reflect a balance between enjoyment and spiritual renunciation, as their use varies by context and practitioner.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Other materials associated with enjoyment that are discouraged for sannyasis in their path of renunciation.[7] (2) Scented oils are aromatic oils used for fragrance, considered objects of enjoyment that a sannyasi should not partake in, according to scriptural injunctions.[8] (3) Oils that have been infused with fragrances, used to enhance the aroma of other substances such as water.[9]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) Oil used by Mother Shaci to anoint Lord Gaura's limbs as part of his bathing routine.[10] (2) The fragrant oil used by Shaci to anoint and care for her son, expressing her love and devotion.[11]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) Oil infused with fragrances used in rituals to massage the deity, symbolizing care and devotion.[12]
From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)
(1) Oil applied to the crown of the head for treatment, which the monks initially hesitated to use according to the Buddha's allowances.[13]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) Oils infused with fragrances, utilized for various purposes including personal grooming and therapeutic applications.[14]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) An aromatic oil used to fuel the torches, contributing to the fragrant atmosphere.[15]
The concept of Scented oil in local and regional sources
Scented oil is described as a substance emanating from the stupa constructed by Rahula, contributing to a mystical ambiance, highlighting its significance in cultural and possibly spiritual contexts.
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) A substance that exudes from the stupa built by Rahula, creating a mystical atmosphere.[16]