Significance of Honey
Synonyms: Nectar, Syrup, Sweetener, Ambrosia
In Dutch: Honing; In Finnish: Hunaja; In Spanish: Miel; In German: Honig
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Honey'
In Buddhism, honey symbolizes a sweet, indulgent food made by bees, reflecting richness and pleasure. It represents the enjoyment of life's offerings while also emphasizing moderation and mindful consumption within the path to enlightenment.
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) A sweet substance made by bees, included in the list of sumptuous foods.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Honey'
In Hinduism, honey symbolizes nourishment and abundance, plays a role in dietary and medicinal contexts, is linked to spiritual practices, and represents auspiciousness, health benefits, and the harmonious blending of elements in rituals and offerings.
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) A natural sweet substance used as an ingredient to accompany the pills for fever treatment.[2] (2) A sweet substance used as a medium for taking the medicine at night.[3] (3) An ingredient taken with the pills, suggesting a method of consumption to enhance effectiveness.[4] (4) An additional ingredient mixed with other substances to form the medicinal pills.[5] (5) Another dietary item that can be consumed alongside the medicinal compound for its health benefits.[6]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 2: Minerals (uparasa)
(1) A pancha-mitra ingredient that contributes to the efficacy of the extraction process by combining with other metals.[7] (2) A natural sweet substance produced by bees, utilized in the bhavana process to solidify mercury.[8]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A sweet substance referred to as 'Madhu' in the text, associated with auspiciousness and offerings.[9] (2) Sweet substance collected by bees, included in the offerings that produce great satisfaction.[10] (3) Referred to as 'madhu,' it is included among various products from which the King takes a sixth part.[11] (4) Honey produced by bees; also referred to as madhu, which is prohibited due to its status as an intoxicant.[12]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) A metaphor illustrating the blending of different sources into a singular essence, devoid of individual identification.[13]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Symbolizes the sweet and beneficial outcome derived from the spiritual texts and actions, perceived as white color in the sun.[14]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) A metaphor used in philosophical texts to indicate the nature of similarity and representation, such that the sun is represented as honey.[15]
From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)
(1) A natural sweetener with various types, known for its benefits in relieving humours and promoting health functions.[16]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 1: Sutrasthana
(1) A natural sweet substance with cooling and purifying properties, but which can become harmful if improperly used, especially when heated.[17]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A natural sweetener with a significant role in Ayurveda, known for its health benefits.[18] (2) Substance used in conjunction with pills for treatment.[19]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A sweet substance produced by bees, which is forbidden to consume during the observance of dasami.[20] (2) A sweet substance produced by bees, recommended to be avoided on the dvadashi.[21]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Symbolizing nourishment and abundance, honey is associated with various elements including earth, air, and sky.[22] (2) A sweet liquid taken to symbolize potency and essence in the context of consecration.[23]
The concept of Honey in scientific sources
Honey is a natural sweetener prized for its medicinal benefits, such as enhancing skin complexion and boosting immunity. It also possesses antibacterial qualities, making it useful for wound treatment and addressing dry socket conditions.
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) This natural sweetener, produced by bees, is investigated for its potential health benefits, particularly in cognitive function, and its possible role in treating or preventing cognitive decline.[24] (2) Honey is a substance with a complex mixture of carbohydrates and other minor substances, such as organic acids.[25] (3) This is a product of stingless bees and Apis mellifera, and it has various health benefits and is associated with various health functions by ancient people.[26] (4) A substance produced by honeybees and stingless bees, exhibiting medicinal properties and highlighted as a natural remedy in religious texts.[27] (5) A sweet liquid produced by honeybees from floral nectar or honeydew, known for its antibacterial properties and therapeutic uses.[28]