Significance of Flesh and blood
Flesh and blood is a multifaceted term found within various philosophical and spiritual contexts. In Buddhism, it symbolizes humanity's suffering and ignorance, while Jainism emphasizes its physical composition linked to dietary influences. In South Asian traditions, it highlights both the gruesome aspects of predation and humanity's vulnerability in battles. Within Vaishnavism and Puranic texts, it often denotes the physical body and familial connections. Overall, flesh and blood encapsulates the transience, vulnerability, and visceral reality of human existence across cultures.
Synonyms: Kin, Family, Ancestors, Lineage, Heritage, Human being, Mortal, Person, Individual, Mankind, Homo sapiens
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Flesh and blood'
In Buddhism, "Flesh and blood" symbolizes physical existence, personal sacrifice for wisdom, compassion towards humanity, and the impermanence of life, highlighting the interconnectedness of suffering, care, and the essence of living beings.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A reference to the wolf's predatory nature, underscoring the instinctive behaviors of some beings.[1] (2) The physical suffering and deterioration of the jackal trapped in the decomposing elephant.[2] (3) Referring to the physical body, often used in the context of sacrifice and care for others.[3]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The physical remains that are left after Santati passes away, symbolizing the impermanence of life.[4] (2) The materials that cover and fill the bones, representing the physical and fragile nature of human life.[5]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Metaphorically referring to the basic human needs and desires, but also to the ultimate outcome of succumbing to greed.[6] (2) Refers to one's physical existence and life; in the text, it signifies personal sacrifice that the Exalted One willingly makes for the sake of wisdom.[7]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The essence that the Rohita fish used to nourish the sick beings, representing the sacrifice of the Bodhisattva.[8]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Symbolizes the essential elements of living beings that should not be harmed or consumed, echoing the call for compassion and non-violence.[9]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) Referring to humanity, particularly in the context of suffering and ignorance that the Bodhisattva seeks to alleviate.[10]
Hindu concept of 'Flesh and blood'
In Hinduism, "flesh and blood" symbolizes the corporeal limitations of existence, reflecting the brutal realities of battle, the transient nature of life, and the sacrifices made in the face of mortality and conflict.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Refers to the physical body of the creatures involved, highlighting the necessity and desire of the hawk for the pigeon as sustenance.[11] (2) The visceral components of the battlefield that depict the extent of the violence and deaths occurring.[12] (3) The aftermath of the battle, representing the violence and casualties faced by the warriors.[13] (4) Indicates the resulting aftermath of battle, highlighting the gruesome nature of the conflict.[14] (5) A phrase denoting humanity, emphasizing that not even divine beings can defeat Karna, making him a formidable opponent.[15]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Refers to the sustenance and life force associated with the Vetala, or vampire, character that Sudarshana ultimately becomes.[16] (2) The spoils of battle consumed by the goblins and warriors created by Parvati during the fight.[17] (3) A representation of physical creation and the divine coupling of spiritual concepts with corporeal existence.[18] (4) Refers to the corporeal limitations or the body of Dadhici that the Devas sought to purify.[19] (5) Represents the mortal aspects of life and death, especially depicted in the context of the battlefield.[20]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The types of sustenance that Kumbhakarna craves, illustrating his monstrous appetite and predatory nature.[21] (2) A phrase used to refer to Rama's kinship ties, establishing a familial connection throughout the narrative.[22] (3) Used metaphorically to refer to the vulnerability of Ravana in the encounter, hinting at his humanity despite his supernatural traits.[23] (4) Metaphorical references to the violence committed by the character, representing his brutality and disregard for life.[24]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The essence of life that the Goddess devours, emphasizing the cycle of life and death in her mythology.[25] (2) Rama emphasizes the physical and transient nature of women, suggesting a futility in attachment to their bodies.[26]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The physical remnants of Vapushmat used in Dama's offerings to his deceased father.[27] (2) The remains of Duma's enemy that he wishes to offer up to the vultures, symbolizing total destruction.[28]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A reference to the physical remnants of battle, underlining the severity of the conflict.[29]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Symbolizes the offering or sacrificial elements involved in the rituals described in the text.[30]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Refers to the brutal nature of the confrontations in the wrestling arena.[31]
From: Linga Purana
(1) Describes the aftermath of Jalandhara's defeat, emphasizing the violence of the battle and its consequences.[32]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A figurative expression indicating deep sacrifice, as the husband gives his own flesh to keep his wife alive in the wilderness.[33] (2) Referring to human emotion, sacrifice, and the intricate bonds represented in folk-narratives.[34]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Symbolizes the physical and vulnerable aspects of human existence.[35]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Refers to the speaker's physical existence and human vulnerability.[36]
From: Hanuman Nataka (critical study)
(1) A phrase indicating Mandodari's deep emotional and psychological connection to Ravana.[37]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Blood is produced from rasa, and from blood, flesh comes into being.[38]
Jain concept of 'Flesh and blood'
In Jainism, "Flesh and blood" signifies the biological connection between mother and offspring, the body's changing nature influenced by diet, and contrasts the physical form with its spiritual dimensions, underscoring both human experience and supernatural attributes.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Refers to the physical body, often emphasizing the human experience, but here it is contrasted with supernatural qualities.[39]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Refers to the composition of the body that changes based on the characteristics of the food consumed by an individual.[40]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Flesh and blood refer to the biological composition of the membranous covering in umbilical births, illustrating the connection between the mother and the offspring.[41]
The concept of Flesh and blood in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Flesh and blood" encapsulates various themes, including the dark nature of Rakshasis, the depth of relationships, the significance of motherhood, and the authenticity of human experiences, emphasizing the tangible reality of existence and connections.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A metaphorical expression used to signify the human aspects and physical existence of a person, emphasizing their real, relatable qualities.[42] (2) Represents the essential human elements that contribute to the make-up of Gandhiji.[43] (3) A phrase that captures the depth of Sambu lyer's realization regarding his intimate relationship with Padma.[44] (4) A phrase illustrating the tangible and human aspects of Gandhi's impactful life.[45] (5) A phrase denoting tangible reality, often in reference to human relationships.[46]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) The gruesome sustenance sought by Rakshasis, representing the dark nature of their character.[47]