Significance of Milk
Synonyms: Dairy, Lactose, Milk beverage
In Malay: Susu; In Italian: Latte; In Finnish: Maito; In Dutch: Melk; In Spanish: Leche; In German: Milch; In Swedish: Mjölk; In French: Lait; In Portugese: Leite; In Polish: Mleko
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Milk'
In Buddhism, milk signifies a dairy product, often sourced from cows. It is considered a luxurious food item, suggesting its importance and potential association with nourishment and indulgence within the Buddhist context.
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) A substance that, when sported with, results in an offence of wrong-doing.[1] (2) A dairy product from cows or other appropriate sources, listed among sumptuous foods.[2]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (4): Parivara
(1) Milk is among the items that, when asked for and then partaken of by a nun, results in an offence.[3]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The text states that if cream pre-exists in this, it is not the cause of the cream; if it does not, everything would happen as in water.[4]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The milk is the best of all tastes, as is this Mahayana Great Nirvana Sutra, which is the best of all the sravaka class of sutras.[5]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) It is one of the specific causes. It is secured when a man wishes to have curds ready for the purpose. It is used as an example to show how people have recourse to only specific causes.[6] (2) Milk is identified as a cause that contains the essence of effects, such as curd, suggesting that the fully matured and differentiated characteristics of the effect are already present within the milk.[7]
Hindu concept of 'Milk'
In Hinduism, milk is multifaceted, symbolizing purity, nourishment, and ritual significance. It's used in offerings, sacrifices, and medicinal preparations. It's associated with deities, seasonal diets, and the body. Milk's properties, from its temperature to its composition, are important in various practices and contexts.
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) Milk has its own Madhura Rasa with Guru and Pichhila Guna, making it the best Rasayana and aphrodisiac, promoting Shukra by promoting all Dhatus, and used in Rajayapana Basti.[8] (2) Milk is a media used for the Shodana of Gandhaka, and it is sweet in taste, cold in potency, softens the tissues, and is a demulcent.[9] (3) It is used in the treatment of the condition, and along with ghruta, kshara, decoctions, and urethral douche, they are also mentioned.[10] (4) This refers to a substance, and its impact was observed in a study, revealing an association with specific effects and a particular Guna.[11] (5) This is one of the food items mentioned in the 'Do's' of the Hemanta Ritu, suggesting the consumption of this type of food as part of the dietary guidelines for the season.[12]
From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga
(1) A substance used as Anupana, typically administered in the morning with medicines like Castor oil and Punarnavadi mandur.[13] (2) It is an important food and is rich in nutrition and is served to the baby.[14] (3) This is refreshing, nourishing, aphrodisiac, useful for improving intelligence as well as mental faculties, enhances strength, relieves dysponea and breathing problems.[15] (4) It has been given with a special status equal to nectar owing to its unique nutritional values, and it is a natural food source for mammals.[16] (5) This is another term for Ksheera, an Anupana (adjuvant) that should be used with drugs during their therapeutic usage.[17]
From: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 6: Uttara-tantra
(1) Recommended as part of the diet for patients with residual deranged Pitta maintaining skin heat, and used in Vasti preparations.[18]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 1: Sutrasthana
(1) The sweet taste is possessed of the virtue of increasing the quantity of lymph-chyle, blood, flesh, fat, bone marrow, albumen (ojas), semen, and milk in a parturient woman.[19]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) Milk is a component of a topical application, along with other ingredients like Buchanan’s mango and liquorice, used on the scalp to treat tawny hair.[20]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Milk is mentioned as a liquid food item given to children, and it is suggested that the showered foodstuff could be milk provided by Nityananda's inconceivable potency.[21] (2) A white liquid produced by cows, consumed by the subject directly from the animal, demonstrating a particular behavior or activity.[22] (3) This refers to a specific beverage that was occasionally consumed by the individual when it was offered to the person in question.[23] (4) A substance that, when consumed, will provide relief from a curse, according to the provided text.[24] (5) It is a product being offered for sale, as indicated by the call 'Who wants to buy milk?'[25]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) It indicates a diet consisting solely of a specific dairy product, representing a form of fasting or purification, intended to cleanse the body and mind.[26] (2) Milk, referred to as dugdha, is included among the milk products that will be offered as gifts in Mathura by King Nanda and his group.[27] (3) The boy has milk still in His mouth, emphasizing His youthfulness and innocence, which further motivates the gopis' protective instincts.[28] (4) This is a product taken from cows, which the girls were handling or collecting, indicating their involvement in agricultural practices.[29] (5) It is a fluid that flowed from the gopis, suggesting a maternal reaction triggered by the events unfolding in the verse.[30]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Milk is used as a metaphor to describe the delectable nature of the Lord's body, suggesting a quality of nourishment and purity.[31] (2) It signifies nourishment and purity, indicating the sustaining and untainted qualities of divine grace.[32] (3) The text uses this term to inquire about the Lord, potentially comparing the divine to something pure and essential, referencing a potential aspect of the divine.[33]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) A food item that was given to Shrila Gurudeva after Madhava Maharaja took the cream, as part of managing his diet.[34] (2) This is a food item that new disciples are now eating, contributing to their happiness and service.[35]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The nectar of the cows and other such things offered in service to him.[36]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) It is considered an article of food that can sustain the body and is mentioned as something to drink for three days as an expiation.[37] (2) A substance that should be flooded over for purification, according to certain texts and traditions.[38] (3) The text mentions milk and its preparations, such as curds, as being considered sacrificial food, which is supported by both Smritis and common usage.[39] (4) The action of stealing this nourishing liquid leads to rebirth as a crow, as a consequence of the committed act.[40] (5) Milk is listed as one of the items, along with curd, butter, and honey, to be placed on the ground with a collected mind according to the text.[41]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) It is part of the diet that is eaten once a day at night with boiled rice.[42] (2) A component of the mixture that contributes to the ritual cleansing process.[43]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) Milk is a component of the Madhuparka, which can be mixed with honey to create the offering given to certain honored individuals.[44]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) This is a substance that Ajya is poured into, creating a Prishataka, signifying a ritualistic offering.[45]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) A substance that can be accepted, along with sour milk and roasted grain, when spontaneously offered by a man of any caste.[46]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) A substance that is desired in abundance, representing nourishment and sustenance, indicating a wish for plentiful resources and the provision of essential nutrients within the residence.[47]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The recitation of the Ricas satiates the gods with oblations of "milk" and causes rivers of milk to flow as a funeral oblation to his Fathers.[48]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) Milk is a dietary recommendation to be given after the fever has subsided, in conjunction with the soup of mudga grams.[49] (2) A beverage that is salutary to the patient.[50] (3) Milk is identified as being antagonistic to fish, meat, and acid, indicating that combining milk with these items may produce adverse effects.[51] (4) This is to be taken when thirsty while taking the medicine.[52] (5) The text advises individuals practicing the dawn water drinking habit to refrain from consuming milk.[53]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances
(1) Milk is one of the components of pancha-gavya and can also be used to purify semi-poisons when boiled with them by means of a Dola-Yantra, based on the information.[54] (2) The "milk" produced by a cow turns a blood-red color when Sveta-shringa is tied to its horns, suggesting an alteration in the cow's physiological processes.[55] (3) A liquid that is combined with incinerated iron, decoction of triphala, and clarified butter in the fifth process.[56] (4) This substance is used to ascertain the caste of a poison; the color change in the milk, when a poison is immersed in it, indicates the poison's caste.[57] (5) An ingredient in the second purification process of visha-musti.[58]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 2: Minerals (uparasa)
(1) A liquid used in the bhavana process to purify red vermilion that is not obtained from a gold mine.[59]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 5: Treatment of various afflictions
(1) An article of food-stuff injurious in worms.[60]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Milk is mentioned as a component of Madhuradi Gana, a group of drugs that possess disease-killing properties and provide therapeutic benefits.[61] (2) Used to soak Matulunga seeds, and also cooked with Ashvagandha, to aid in conception, particularly of a male child.[62]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Taking this results in rebirth as a hen-heron.[63] (2) Milk from deer, sheep, camels, animals with uncloven hoofs, buffaloes, the yak, or cow's milk not more than ten days old, must be avoided in the shraddha ceremony.[64]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The sea of milk, which surrounds Shaka-dvipa, and is of the same breadth as the continent.[65]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Milk is a substance given by the earth when approached with the right means, and different beings obtain different types of milk, such as corns, devotion to Brahman, a flow of milk for the Devas, poison, illusory power, disappearance from view, blood, sweet perfume, herbs and jewels.[66]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) More sweet than even the nectar and it prevents birth and death! The Lord of the Gopis drank this from Surabhi.[67]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) In the text, milk is used as an analogy to explain how Brahman can transform itself into manifold effects, with milk turning into curds or ice without extraneous means, highlighting a peculiar constitution.[68] (2) A specific causal substance mentioned in the text, and it is used as an example to illustrate the relationship between cause and effect, and it is specifically connected to the effect known as curds.[69] (3) A substance used in sacrifices, and is part of the materials employed to perform the agnihotra darshapurnamasa, and is considered as water, and its subtle parts assume the form of an apurva.[70] (4) Milk is the product of the transformation of grass, which only occurs when grass is consumed by a female animal, such as a cow, and it is used as an example.[71]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The substance that the newborn drinks, representing the infant's mistaken perception of sustenance during its early development stages.[72]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) Milk is the food given to the animals, and men and animals first live on milk alone, making it essential for their survival.[73]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Milk is used as an example to illustrate how the Pradhana can act independently; the transformation of milk into sour milk is mentioned as a process that occurs by itself, without external influence.[74]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) It is associated with the seed.[75] (2) Liquid taken to symbolize sustenance and support for humanity.[76] (3) The final offering poured into the fire-pan after seed, symbolizing nourishment and completion in the creation process.[77] (4) A product of Indra's vital sap that symbolizes nourishment and sustenance in the Vedic context.[78]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) Having boiled the "milk", he should take down the vessel towards the north and push it overground with the formula, “Do thou stabilise the cows; stabilise the lord of the cows; let not the lord of sacrifice be injured.”[79] (2) This is an important element of the ritual, and it is associated with the body of Vishve Devas.[80]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) Both the cow and the milk would then become the karma in regard to one of the two actions expressed by ‘duh’, showing their role as objects.[81] (2) The primary product of the cow in the context of the verb 'duh'.[82]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) A liquid provided to horses as part of their diet, especially for colts, contributing to their growth and development.[83]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) This refers to the liquid that the foolish boys were trying to get from the donkey, but they were unsuccessful.[84]
Jain concept of 'Milk'
In Jainism, milk is viewed through multiple lenses. It's a delicacy to be renounced for austerity. Symbolically, it represents purity, as seen in the white, moon-like liquid and the ocean of milk, potentially representing joy and spiritual attainment.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Milk is in the Ocean of joy.[85] (2) Then he entered a third apartment with waves of milk like moonlight, like an elephant of the quarters entering the ocean of milk, indicating a white liquid.[86]
From: Naladiyar
(1) This is what the swan drinks.[87]
The concept of Milk in local and regional sources
Milk is a versatile substance in the text. It's a remedy for illness, part of a longevity diet, and symbolic of nourishment and authority. Milk is also one of the seven oceans and provided by buffaloes. Lastly, milk stabilizes age, according to the Sushrutasamhita.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Milk with horlicks is a nightly ritual between the father and daughter, symbolizing his care and affection, and it continues even after her death.[88] (2) Another child requested milk, showing their willingness to provide nourishment to the bird, demonstrating a collective effort to support its recovery with available resources.[89] (3) Milk from heavy udders fills the pots and overflows, symbolizing abundance and prosperity within the land.[90]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) Milk is mentioned in the text in the context of Shiva being the lord of many rivers and armies, representing a figure of authority and control, similar to how milk can be seen as a nourishing and essential substance.[91] (2) This substance is associated with the stabilization of age, as described in the Sushrutasamhita, and is included in the list of substances that contribute to this effect.[92]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The text mentions milk as a part of a diet that is considered best suited to the attainment of longevity, particularly when taken with roast meat and plenty of fruit.[93] (2) The writer mentions this as one of the seven oceans.[94]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) The liquid provided by the buffaloes to Lakhan in abundance.[95]
From: Gommatsara by Acharya Nemichandra
(1) Milk is listed as one of the six delicacies that can be renounced as part of austerity.[96]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The Cow says the man takes our milk, and at last kills and eats us.[97] (2) The milk is a substance that the lad seeks from various animals in the jungle to cure the girl's illness.[98]
The concept of Milk in scientific sources
Milk, a white liquid from mammals, serves various purposes. It's used for infant formulas, dairy products, and analyzing udder health. Milk can transmit diseases, affect vitamin content, and influence tooth erosion and anemia, and is a substance used in purification.
From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (MDPI)
(1) This product, specifically milk and milk products, is identified as a food category where unspecified microorganisms, Salmonella sp., and Coliforms can be present, as shown by RASFF notifications.[99] (2) "Milk" is a nutrient-rich fluid produced by mammals, and its treatment and processing are essential for producing various dairy products for human consumption.[100] (3) Milk is the subject of the study, with the research focusing on detecting β-lactamase residues within it, which can pose public health risks.[101] (4) A nutrient-rich liquid food produced by mammals, with some data on the presence of antimony.[102] (5) Persistent organic pollutants are determined in cow’s and human milk using a high-resolution quadrupole / orbital trapping mass spectrometer coupled to a gas chromatograph.[103]
From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)
(1) Consumers participating in this study show a strong preference for milk, particularly cows’ milk, influenced by availability, price, and perceived quality, which indicates its importance in their diet.[104] (2) Milk is generally considered a commodity, but its value can be enhanced by quality parameters and origin, especially when it comes from ruminants fed hay and fresh herbage.[105] (3) Average milk production is approximately 13,150 kg (12,764 L) of milk per cow per year at 3.72% butterfat and 3.01% protein.[106] (4) Milk has a self-sufficiency rate of 59%, which is lower compared to national rates, as milk production is traditionally concentrated in alpine regions within Austria.[107] (5) Refers to a dairy product that is a staple in many diets and is also available in an organically produced version.[108]
From: Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research
(1) Milk is a substance collected from lactating cows and used for analysis of udder health, with somatic cell counts and microbiology tests used to identify intramammary infections.[109] (2) This refers to the product produced by the cows, and the researchers analyzed the composition and selenium levels in the milk.[110] (3) This is a white liquid produced by female mammals for feeding their young, and infected animals shed C. burnetii in the milk.[111] (4) Milk is a product, and consumption of raw milk is a risk factor for bovine tuberculosis.[112]
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) Milk consumption, measured in milliliters per day, was investigated for its potential association with tooth erosion, as indicated by the provided study.[113] (2) A beverage that contains caries protective components, but its anti-cariogenic properties are lost when sweetened.[114]
From: African Journal of Primary Health Care and Family Medicine
(1) This refers to the liquid produced by cows, and the boiling of it will lower the vitamin C content.[115] (2) This is a dairy product, and the study examined how often participants consumed it.[116]
From: Journal of Public Health in Africa
(1) Food made from milk showed a higher prevalence of anemia than those who did not consume this food group.[117]
From: South African Family Practice
(1) This is a general term for a liquid produced by mammals, and is the basis of infant formulas, providing essential nutrients, and is often compared to human milk for its composition.[118]
From: Asian Journal of Pharmaceutics
(1) It is one of the most common food allergens, with cow's milk being a trigger for allergic reactions, especially in young children.[119]
From: International Journal of Pharmacology
(1) It is a suitable medium that contains many necessary nutrients and provides a convenient physical environment for the growth of many microorganisms.[120]
From: South African Journal of Psychiatry
(1) This is a side effect that the drug is thought to cause in the study participants.[121]
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) It was used to produce yoghurt and smen, which is melted butter usually melted above boiling water and purified by distillation.[122]
Classical concept of 'Milk'
From: The Liturgy of Funerary Offerings
(1) A liquid offering, associated with the breast of Isis, considered an emission and is presented to someone's mouth during the ceremony.[123]
From: Aesop's Fables (English translation)
(1) A product that the shepherd obtains from the Goat, and one of the reasons why the shepherd handles this animal.[124]
From: The History of Herodotus
(1) Milk is an important resource for the Scythians, and they use blow-pipes to fill the veins of the mare, and they also blind their slaves, so they can agitate the milk.[125]
From: The Book of the Dead
(1) The nipples of the bosom of Horus have been given unto thee, and thou hast taken in thy mouth the breast of thy sister Isis, and the milk which floweth from thy mother.[126]
From: The Literature of the Ancient Egyptians
(1) It refers to a substance that should not be taken from the mouths of children. It suggests protecting the vulnerable.[127]