Significance of Mula

Mula is a term with diverse meanings across various contexts, emphasizing its significance in Jainism, Purana, Yoga, Jyotisha, Vedanta, Rasashastra, and Science. In Jainism, Mula refers to an envious wife, specific lunar mansions, cultural identities, and a significant location. Purana highlights Mula as an astrological grouping and Nakshatra. In Yoga and Vedanta, it symbolizes roots and essence. In Rasashastra, Mula refers to a herb in medicinal preparation. Scientifically, it denotes origins, foundational aspects, and roots in herbal medicine.1
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Synonyms: Money, Capital, Resources, Wealth, Assets

In Dutch: Mula; In German: Mula; In Finnish: Mula; In Spanish: Mula; In Malay: Mula

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Mula'

Hinduism Books

Mula in Hinduism signifies the essential root beyond superficial identities. It encompasses astrological significance, including Nakshatras influential in marriage and connections to cosmic entities, while also referring to specific herbs and foundational concepts in spiritual contexts.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Devi Bhagavata Purana

(1) A Nakshatra connected with the left ear of the cosmic entity described in the text.[1]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Rasashastra (chemistry and alchemy):
Rasashastra Books

From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 2: Minerals (uparasa)

(1) Refers to a specific herb that is part of the mixing process for increasing the efficacy of essence of mica.[2]

Rasashastra is an important branch of Ayurveda, specialising in chemical interactions with herbs, metals and minerals. Some texts combine yogic and tantric practices with various alchemical operations. The ultimate goal of Rasashastra is not only to preserve and prolong life, but also to bestow wealth upon humankind.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)

(1) The root or essence that one should seek beyond superficial identities and societal labels.[3]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Yoga (school of philosophy):
Yoga Books

From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)

(1) Refers to the root or base in the context of spiritual or physical dimensions mentioned in the text.[4]

Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as asanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).

Significance in Jyotisha (astronomy and astrology):
Jyotisha Books

From: Brihat Samhita

(1) An asterism (Nakshatra) influential in astrological marriage considerations.[5]

Jyotisha (ज्योतिष, jyotisha or jyotish) refers to ‘astronomy’ or “Vedic astrology” and represents the fifth of the six Vedangas (additional sciences to be studied along with the Vedas). Jyotisha concerns itself with the study and prediction of the movements of celestial bodies, in order to calculate the auspicious time for rituals and ceremonies.

Jain concept of 'Mula'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, "Mula" can be interpreted as a significant origin point, representing astrological aspects related to birth, denoting a cultural identity in eastern India, or depicting a narrative character symbolizing jealousy and evil intentions.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) A location that appears to hold importance in the narrative, possibly representing the origin or root of something essential.[6] (2) A plural noun referring to a name of people in east India; indicates cultural composition.[7] (3) The evil-minded wife of Sheth Dhanavaha who was jealous of Candana and plotted against her.[8] (4) The specific lunar mansion or constellation that further emphasizes the astrological significance of the birth.[9]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.