Significance of Heart
Synonyms: Spirit, Love, Emotion, Essence, Soul, Nucleus
In Dutch: Hart; In Finnish: Sydän; In Spanish: Corazón
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Heart'
In Buddhism, "Heart" symbolizes the center of consciousness and spirit, intertwining emotions and thoughts. It represents both a physical organ vital for life and a profound spiritual significance within meditation practices.
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) An organ central to the circulatory system, located near the middle of the body.[1]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) Symbolically refers to the center of consciousness or spirit in Buddhism, often linked to one's emotions and thoughts.[2]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) The core place where seed-syllables cohere, representing a center of emotion and spiritual significance in the meditation practices described.[3]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Symbolically referred to as the center of consciousness or existence in the context of spiritual teachings.[4]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) An important organ listed as part of the physical substances, associated with bodily function and spiritual significance.[5]
Hindu concept of 'Heart'
In Hinduism, the heart symbolizes the emotional and spiritual center where devotion, love, and the divine essence reside, representing the innermost feelings and consciousness of a person seeking connection with the Supreme Lord.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The emotional center of a person, where feelings and sentiments are experienced.[6] (2) In this context, it refers to the seat of Nityananda Candra's presence within Purushottama dasa, symbolizing inner awareness and spiritual connection.[7] (3) Symbolically refers to the inner emotional state of the individuals.[8] (4) A symbol of emotions and spiritual connection, particularly in the context of feeling ecstatic love.[9] (5) The emotional or spiritual center of the speaker, where deep feelings such as hope reside.[10]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) This symbolizes the emotional or spiritual response, suggesting a feeling of deep understanding or realization.[11] (2) The heart serves as a metaphorical reference to a person's center of emotion and spirituality in which Lord Krishna resided.[12] (3) The heart in the context implies the seat of emotions and desires in a person, which can either bind them or set them free.[13] (4) Symbolically represents the emotional and spiritual state of the gopis, where the doubt has taken root.[14] (5) Symbolizes the inner feelings and sentiments where devotion to Krishna resides.[15]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) the inner emotional or spiritual self, referred to as 'cetah' in the text[16] (2) The essence of the being where pure discrimination occurs and where bhakti manifests once purified.[17] (3) The place where knowledge of realms and their true nature manifests, according to Gopa-kumara's reflections.[18] (4) The internal place where devotees like Shri Prahlada experience the presence of the Lord.[19] (5) The spiritual center where the essence of pure love for Shri Krishna can manifest, reflecting the true feelings of the devotee.[20]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Symbolizes the seat of emotions and devotion, which Uddhava offers to the Lord as he embraces Him.[21] (2) The emotional and spiritual center where the feelings of joy and love expressed through preyo-rasa are experienced.[22] (3) In this context, the emotional and spiritual center where devotion to the Lord resides.[23] (4) Referring to the emotional and spiritual center where vishnu-bhakti is said to arise.[24]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) A metaphorical space representing the emotional and spiritual core where the Lord resides within the Alvar.[25] (2) In this context, heart represents the emotional or spiritual center of the speaker, symbolizing where the Supreme Lord resides.[26]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Symbolically represents the center of being or consciousness where the true Self is realized.[27] (2) The symbolic location where the supreme ether (akasha) is considered to reside, embodying the essence of being and consciousness.[28] (3) The metaphorical location in which the intellect and supreme space are implied to exist.[29] (4) Symbolically refers to the center of consciousness where prana resides and connects the seeker to Brahman.[30] (5) A metaphorical space where the Self is said to be lodged, representing the emotional and spiritual center of a person.[31]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The place through which the soul is said to pass forth, utilizing the hundred and first artery.[32] (2) A metaphorical representation of emotions and spiritual essence, linked to the inner self or consciousness.[33]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) Symbolically represents the Buddhi or intellect, which is believed to be the seat of consciousness and understanding.[34] (2) Symbolically represents the inner self or core of consciousness where true understanding and realization occur.[35]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Symbolizes the center of consciousness or existence where entities are believed to dwell.[36]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The organ described as shaped like a lotus bud, serving as the focus for meditation on Brahman.[37]
From: Prashna Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) A metaphorical space where mental tendencies converge, suggesting a deeper integration of consciousness.[38]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The place of union for Indra and Viraj, symbolizing the inner essence of beings and the center of life force.[39]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) A symbolic representation of the emotional and spiritual center of a person.[40]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Referenced by terms hridayam and hrit, indicating the vital organ.[41] (2) In this context, it refers to a central aspect or essence of certain mantras.[42] (3) An important aspect during the worship of the disc, used in specific oblation mantras.[43]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Symbolically represents the center of emotion and intent in the context of devotion.[44] (2) One of the aspects of worship where devotion is directed towards the emotional and spiritual center.[45]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The heart discriminates which ideas are agreeable and which are disagreeable.[46]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) The innermost being where the director and instructor are said to reside.[47]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) Symbolically represents one's innermost feelings, warmth, and devotion, especially in spiritual contexts.[48] (2) The emotional center of a person, often considered the seat of feelings such as love and affection.[49] (3) Symbolically represents feelings or emotions, particularly in relation to love and desire.[50] (4) Refers to the emotional center of a person, symbolizing love and affection.[51] (5) The organ that was pierced by Rama's arrow in Ravana.[52]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) Referred to as Mahat or Artha, the heart is considered central and essential for various bodily functions.[53]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) A symbolic reference to the emotional or spiritual center where consecration takes place.[54]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A term often associated with the Soul, indicating the center of emotions and spiritual essence.[55]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A metaphorical reference to the emotional or spiritual well-being of the mother, which is positively affected by the child's birth.[56]
The concept of Heart in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Heart" signifies an individual's emotional core and inner self, often symbolically linking them to a divine connection, as indicated by regional sources discussing its metaphorical significance.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Metaphorically used to represent one's inner self or emotional core, connected to God.[57]
The concept of Heart in scientific sources
The keyphrase "Heart" connects to two significant concepts: its biological role as the blood-pumping organ sensitive to hypertension, and its Ayurvedic interpretation as the center of consciousness and emotional balance.
From: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
(1) In Ayurveda, it is considered the site of consciousness and emotional regulation.[58] (2) The organ responsible for pumping blood throughout the body, significantly affected by hypertension due to increased pressure.[59]