Significance of Cold water
Cold water holds diverse significance across various traditions. In Jainism, it symbolizes simplicity and purity, often highlighting potential impurity in offerings. In Ayurveda, it serves as a common remedy for thirst and is integral in treatments, emphasizing its cooling and purifying properties. However, it is also noted that cold water may weaken digestive power if consumed improperly. Throughout cultural practices, such as those in South Asia and during healing rituals, cold water represents both a basic necessity and a nuanced aspect of wellness.
Synonyms: Cool water, Chilled water, Icy water, Refreshing water
In Dutch: Koud water
In Finnish: Kylmä vesi
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Cold water'
In Buddhism, cold water symbolizes the inert and empty nature of prakriti before transformation, reflects a quiet state untarnished by heat, and represents discomfort in spiritual practices while also signifying severe punishments in certain hells.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A category of hells characterized by severe punishments involving cold water.[1] (2) An analogy used to depict the inert, empty nature of prakriti before conditions bring it to life, akin to cold water before being heated.[2]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) A substance used by monks to dye robe-material that caused it to smell nasty.[3]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) Water that remains in a quiet and motionless state when not subjected to heat.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Cold water'
Cold water in Hinduism symbolizes both vulnerability and healing, serving various medicinal purposes, enhancing treatments, and providing relief from distress. It is significant in spiritual rituals and traditional healing practices, promoting refreshment and purification.
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) A remedy method mentioned for cooling the patient's head, which is part of the treatment process.[5] (2) Water at lower temperatures, the consumption of which is restricted in certain medical conditions to prevent complications.[6] (3) Drinking cold water is advised against after taking the medicine to ensure effectiveness.[7] (4) Water at a low temperature, which is to be poured over the head of the patient after medication intake.[8] (5) A component mixed with ginger juice, used as an accompaniment in the medicinal preparation.[9]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 5: Treatment of various afflictions
(1) Recommended to be drunk after taking certain medicinal pills as part of treatment protocol.[10] (2) Water at a low temperature used to soothe and treat conditions like vomiting by calming the system.[11] (3) Referred to as a soothing agent for intoxication effects, beneficial after consuming wine or betel nuts.[12] (4) Water at a low temperature, recommended for mitigating thirst among other benefits.[13] (5) Water at a low temperature, recommended for bathing and cooling the body to alleviate heat sensations.[14]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances
(1) Regular water at a low temperature used alongside turmeric juice for washing earthworms.[15]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Used as the best astringent, highlighting its importance in traditional healing practices.[16] (2) A recommended drink for alleviating burning sensations after taking medicine.[17] (3) Water used in the care of trees, often mixed with various substances to promote fruit and flower production.[18]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Symbolizes the calming and corrective words of the brahmana that extinguish the fire of lust among women.[19] (2) Water that is chilled or cool, noted for use in the worship of Vishnu to enhance the ritual's significance.[20]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Describes the fragrant water sprinkled on the king’s head, symbolizing refreshment and revival of senses.[21]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Water used in the context of reviving someone who has fainted or lost consciousness.[22]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Describes the characteristic of rivers like the Shita, Shankhavati, and Bhadra, which are abundant in pure, cold water.[23]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Water used in battle symbolizing defeat or incapacitation, particularly against demons.[24]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Used in conjunction with Indra-varuni roots and certain errhines to alleviate pain in the neck and arms.[25]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) A common remedy suggested for thirst that can provide relief, especially when used appropriately.[26]
From: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 6: Uttara-tantra
(1) A therapeutic agent often used in treatment, such as plunge-baths or sprinkling, to help revive a patient suffering from fainting fits.[27]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 4: Cikitsasthana
(1) A common element in various remedy preparations that may have cooling and purifying properties.[28]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The environment in which the girls are situated, indicating the temperature of the water they are standing in.[29]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) The temperature of water that causes a discomfort, especially when one is submerged for a long time.[30]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Mentioned in a context where the characters are in distress, shivering due to the cold, emphasizing their vulnerable state.[31]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Freshwater that is cool, providing refreshment and relief.[32]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) Water used in conjunction with warm water during the ceremony to moisten the hair.[33]
Jain concept of 'Cold water'
In Jainism, cold water symbolizes simplicity and minimalism, as it is a basic necessity for monks and a choice of sages. However, it is also viewed critically if lacking genuine spiritual understanding and can be considered impure.
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) The beverage consumed by certain sages and great men, symbolizing simplicity in diet and life.[34] (2) A basic necessity for sustenance consumed by monks, indicating simplicity and minimalism in their lifestyle.[35] (3) Mentioned as part of a lifestyle that is criticized unless it is accompanied by genuine spiritual understanding.[36]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) A potentially impure substance that may be offered by the householder in the alms-bowl, which the mendicant should refuse.[37]
The concept of Cold water in local and regional sources
Cold water is specifically described as the water a woman retrieves to temper the hot water for the old man, highlighting its significance in providing relief and balance in temperature for his comfort.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) Water that the woman goes to fetch in order to cool the hot water for the old man.[38]
The concept of Cold water in scientific sources
Cold water is viewed negatively in Ayurveda, as it can impair digestion by slowing down the digestive process and may not be suitable consumed after hot foods or drinks due to potential incompatibility.
From: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
(1) A term used in the context of infrared spectrometry to describe the presence of lattice water in samples, indicated by characteristic bands in the IR spectrum.[39] (2) Water that is consumed at a low temperature, which may have adverse effects on digestion according to the text.[40] (3) Hydration deemed contrary to the treatment of Pratishyaya, particularly when consumed during food intake.[41] (4) Water at low temperatures that is discouraged for consumption in specific contexts according to health recommendations.[42]
From: International Ayurvedic Medical Journal
(1) Cold water is considered less favorable in Ayurveda as it can weaken digestive power by slowing down the digestive process.[43] (2) Beverages that may be incompatible when consumed after hot foods or drinks.[44]