Significance of Embellishment

Embellishment, as interpreted in various contexts, holds different meanings. In Tibetan Buddhism, it involves the concept of enhancing auditory experiences but is deemed impossible for the auditory organ and word-sound. Purana associates embellishment with enriching ancient legends through new details, particularly in the Markandeya Purana. In Ayurveda, it refers to the ornamental decorations that can be applied after ear piercing to improve their appearance. Each interpretation highlights the theme of enhancement and decoration across different domains.1

Synonyms: Adornment, Decoration, Enhancement, Ornamentation, Beautification

In Dutch: Versiering; In Finnish: Kaunistus

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Embellishment'

Buddhism Books

Embellishment in Buddhism denotes the enhancement of sound or auditory experiences. However, it also suggests that adding ornamental features to auditory expressions is conceptually impossible concerning the auditory organ and word-sound dynamics.

Significance of Embellishments in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):

Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]

(1) This indicates the enhancement or beautification of an idea, concept, or expression, as opposed to mere production.^[1] (2) The concept suggesting that the non-eternal substratum could have additional adornments or enhancements, which the text counters.^[2] (3) The process of enhancing or decorating the sound or auditory experience.^[3] (4) The process or concept of adding ornamental or enhancing features to something; it is argued to be impossible in the context of the auditory organ and word-sound.^[4] (5) An aspect that is stated to lack any capacity for cognition, contrasting with the word-sound.^[5]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Hindu concept of 'Embellishment'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Embellishment signifies both the ornamental enhancements applied to pierced ears for aesthetic purposes and the practice of enriching ancient legends with additional details, as exemplified in the Markandeya Purana.

Significance of Embellishments in Kavyashastra (science of poetry):

Kavyashastra Books

From: Kavyamimamsa of Rajasekhara (Study)

(1) The artistic enhancement of both words and their meanings, as discussed by acarya Kuntaka.^[6]

From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana

(1) A literary quality added to a text that heightens the impact of emotion or rasa through contrast and suppression of other feelings.^[7]

Kavyashastra refers to the ancient Indian tradition of poetry (kavya). Canonical literature (shastra) of the includes encyclopedic manuals dealing with prosody, rhetoric and various other guidelines serving to teach the poet how to compose literature.

Significance of Embellishments in Ayurveda (science of life):

Ayurveda Books

From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 1: Sutrasthana

(1) Ornamental decorations that may be applied post-piercing to enhance the appearance of the ears.^[8]

Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

Significance of Embellishments in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):

Purana Books

From: Vishnu Purana

(1) The act of enhancing ancient legends with new circumstances and details found in the Markandeya Purana.^[9]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance of Embellishments in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):

Vaishnavism Books

From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation

(1) The adornments or enhancements of beauty that the Nayaki is shedding as she experiences her emotional decline.^[10]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Plural form: Embellishments.

Last Updated: 30 September, 2024