Significance of Contact with fire
Contact with fire, according to Purana, symbolizes purification and the transformative journey of the soul through intense spiritual practices. It signifies the ultimate sacrifice, where individuals embrace death by fire, illustrating how purity endures despite encountering impurities. In contrast, Dharmashastra defines Contact with fire as an action that alters the nature of milk, determining its edibility. Thus, the concept holds both spiritual significance and practical implications concerning purity and transformation in various contexts.
Synonyms: Fire contact, Burning, Incineration, Scorching
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Contact with fire'
In Hinduism, "Contact with fire" symbolizes both physical transformation, such as milk curdling, and spiritual purification, representing the soul's evolution, the resilience of purity in impurity, and the ultimate sacrifice through self-immolation.
From: Padma Purana
(1) The metaphorical representation of purification and transformation of the soul through rigorous spiritual practice.[1]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) An analogy illustrating how pure things remain unaffected in essence despite being in contact with impurities.[2]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) In this context, it refers to the ultimate spiritual sacrifice, where individuals willingly endure death by fire.[3]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) A condition that opposes Colour in the atoms of Earth, leading to the destruction of Colour.[4] (2) The interaction between the material (like a jar) and fire, which initiates the process of color production in the atoms.[5] (3) The interaction of a substance with fire can produce extrinsic fluidity, causing a change in the state of the material.[6]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Used metaphorically to describe how entities like water derive their qualities (such as heat) from Brahman, similar to how they absorb heat from fire.[7]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) This phrase illustrates the concept that iron, by itself, does not produce sparks without the influence of fire.[8]
From: Nyayakusumanjali of Udayana (study)
(1) An example illustrating the relationship between an object (the finger) and the sensation (burning), used to explain how the unseen and experience share a locus.[9] (2) The interaction through heat which leads to changes in the properties of substances, as exemplified by changes in air and water.[10]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) An action leading to the curdling of milk, affecting its edibility based on the provided criteria in the text.[11]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The interaction between a person and fire, which can lead to injury or burns.[12]