Significance of Fire
Synonyms: Flame, Blaze, Inferno, Wildfire, Conflagration, Heat, Bonfire, Spark
In Finnish: Palo; In Spanish: Fuego; In Dutch: Vuur
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Fire'
In Buddhism, "Fire" symbolizes both the physical element essential for warmth and cooking, as well as a metaphor for respect and familial boundaries. It represents both resourcefulness and potential danger, reflecting the duality of its nature.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) A process of combustion that produces heat and light, often indicated by smoke.[1] (2) Another example used to illustrate concepts related to validity in cognition and inference.[2] (3) The element that is recalled from memory in the cognitive process, specifically referring to the fire situated in the kitchen.[3]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Used metaphorically to represent respect and the boundaries of discussing the faults of one's spouse's family.[4]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) A critical resource for warmth and cooking, which was not available to the Bhikkhus.[5]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) An element that poses danger to the hawks' young, as the country folks attempt to use it against them.[6]
Hindu concept of 'Fire'
In Hinduism, fire symbolizes spiritual initiation, annihilation, and transformation, integral to rituals and sacrifices. It represents purity, divine presence, danger, and the mind, serving both as a medium for offerings and as a significant spiritual element.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) One of the eight guardian deities, symbolizing a natural element.[7] (2) The fires represent domestic ritual obligations; their presence contributes to defining guest status.[8] (3) The receptacle denoted by the Locative in relation to the oblation process, indicating where offerings are made.[9] (4) In this context, the sacred fire used in Hindu rituals and as a receptacle for offerings in ceremonies.[10] (5) refers to the Three Fires and Domestic Fire that hold significant importance in rituals.[11]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A central element in the ritual, representing purification and the divine.[12] (2) A central element in the rituals where offerings are made, signifying transformation and divine presence.[13] (3) A central element in rituals, often symbolizing transformation and purification.[14]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) The central element in Vedic rituals, symbolizing purity and divine presence.[15] (2) A central element of the ritual that should be carried first among the offerings.[16]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) The sacred element in the penance ritual, where offerings and invocations take place.[17]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) A central element in the marriage ceremony that serves as a witness and participant in the rituals being performed between the couple.[18]
From: Yajnavalkya-smriti (Vyavaharadhyaya)—Critical study
(1) An ordeal where a participant must endure fire to prove innocence based on the outcome of their hands after the ordeal.[19]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) A central element of the ritual where pegs are positioned around it and offerings are made.[20]
From: Apastamba Grihya-sutra
(1) The central element of the sacrificial ritual where offerings and preparations are made.[21]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) Symbolically linked with apana and vak, representing transformation and energy.[22] (2) The element in which the oblation is made, specifically mentioned as a sacred fire.[23] (3) The sacred element in which the gods perform offerings and sacrifices.[24] (4) The fire is the sacred element in which the gods make the oblation of King Soma.[25] (5) A significant element addressed in the verse, personified and requested to facilitate an action.[26]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) A metaphorical element that represents a means or method through which beings can attain heaven and immortality.[27] (2) The sacrificial fire lodged in the upper arani and the lower arani, which is the eater of all offerings.[28]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) An entity created by Being that conceives the idea of becoming many, leading to the creation of Water in the sequence of cosmic evolution.[29] (2) The fires represent a metaphor for various forms of purification and transformation along the spiritual path.[30]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Fire, another elemental form, is born from the purusha and plays a role in the transformation and energy of the universe.[31] (2) Fire is mentioned in relation to light and illumination but questioned in how it could shine in this context.[32]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Fire is produced from air, indicating that it originates from an antecedent cause in the context of Brahman.[33]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Another source of illumination that is referenced alongside the sun and moon as having light that is part of a greater light.[34]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) Symbolically associated with the mind and deliberation, implored to assist in remembering one's deeds and guiding the soul.[35]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Symbolically mentioned as the element from which Dhrishtadyumna emerged for the purpose of defeating Dronacharya.[36] (2) A significant symbol of danger in the text that prompts Mandapala's anxiety for his children's safety.[37]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The element associated with Samhara, or annihilation.[38]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The medium through which Vrinda chose to end her own life, demonstrating her rejection of Vishnu despite the circumstances.[39]
From: Agni Purana
(1) The term vahni, derived by adding the suffix ni to a root.[40]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) A crucial element in the sacrifice, often represented by Agni, signifying purity and transformation.[41] (2) Refers to the fire in the pan, which is being held up and manipulated by the Sacrificer.[42]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The destructive element that is central to the accusation made by Govardhana's mother against the son of Nanda.[43] (2) A physical element that can induce 'avega', representing conflict or danger.[44]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A threatening act the speaker mentions they will undertake if their case is not judged favorably, representing a form of extreme protest or despair.[45]
From: Varahi Tantra (English Study)
(1) The central focus of the homa, within the context of the fire sacrifice and its rites.[46]
Jain concept of 'Fire'
In Jainism, Fire symbolizes the principle of combustion, representing the essence of what ignites and sustains flames in both lamps and homes, emphasizing its role as a transformative and vital element within the natural world.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) The source of combustion that is ultimately identified as what is burning in both the lamp and the house.[47]
The concept of Fire in local and regional sources
Fire symbolizes passion, strength, and intensity, representing a powerful element that evokes strong emotions and drives, reflecting its significant role in various cultural and personal contexts.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A powerful element symbolizing passion, strength, and intensity.[48] (2) An elemental force that is part of the expansive description of the divine.[49] (3) Symbolizes passion, warmth, or the intense emotions that connect living beings.[50]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The element that the quail asked to burn the timbola for not assisting her.[51]