Significance of Ether
Synonyms: Quintessence, Spirit, Essence, Mystical, Celestial, Intangible
In Dutch: Ether; In Finnish: Eetteri; In Spanish: Éter; In German: Äther
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Ether'
Ether in Hinduism is a foundational element linking Brahman and the cosmos. Described as all-pervading and subtle, it symbolizes the essence of existence, connecting bliss, sound, and the individual soul, embodying both the material and spiritual realms.
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) The ether is described as the navel of the highest Lord in Smriti, along with other elements of the form ascribed to him.[1] (2) The ether is woven like warp and woof, and the entire aggregate of effects is based on it, and it is finally woven into the akshara, as the text explains.[2] (3) A term used in scriptural passages to illustrate the vastness and omnipresence of the Self, with comparisons made to the extent of the ether itself.[3] (4) Ether is a concept that is said not to originate, due to the lack of causes and specific qualities, and is often used in a secondary sense in phrases and passages.[4] (5) A specific element, which is described with the quality of smallness according to scripture and is central to the discussion regarding the Lord and the individual soul.[5]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) A term symbolizing the highest Self, as mentioned in the text, which denotes the ultimate, unifying essence residing within all.[6] (2) A specific entity discussed in the text that is part of the larger framework of existence but is classified as an effect and thus cannot claim non-origination.[7] (3) The ether is described as the evolver of forms and names, representing a higher principle beyond the individual soul.[8] (4) An element mentioned in the text that signifies a fundamental aspect of creation and existence.[9]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) A substance that is considered to be always existent, representing the essence or foundational element of existence.[10]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) One of the gross elements, often considered the most subtle and foundational substance that permeates the universe.[11]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The fifth element in ancient philosophy, representing the void or space that can also be overtaken by Vritra.[12]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) Referred to as Akasha, it is the sky and the result of the subtle rudiment of sound.[13]
The concept of Ether in local and regional sources
Ether represents a primal matter signifying the universe's essence, interpenetrating all forms and existing beyond light. It is a fundamental element in ancient texts, influencing concepts of motion, existence, and the cycles of life and death.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The ether, one of the fundamental elements, is not the speaker's true essence, as the text describes what the speaker is not.[14] (2) This is the state where all forms dissolve into at the end of a cycle, which is the primal matter called Âkasha, representing the fundamental substance of the universe before manifestation.[15] (3) This is everywhere, interpenetrating, and omnipresent, according to the provided text, and is a concept used to explain how air atoms move.[16] (4) This is a concept described as higher than light, and within which the sun, moon, lightning, and stars reside, and where life and death occur, as described.[17]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) Aether is one of the five realities or fundamental entities, according to the Bhagavati Sutra, and it is described as the medium of motion, existing alongside anti-aether, space, soul, matter, and time.[18]
The concept of Ether in scientific sources
Ether is a functional group identified in the FT-IR spectrum of tamarillo ethanolic extract, featuring an oxygen atom bonded to two alkyl or aryl groups, highlighting its significance in organic compounds from medicinal plants.
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) This is a functional group identified in the FT-IR spectrum of the tamarillo ethanolic extract, representing a class of organic compounds containing an ether linkage (R-O-R').[19]