Significance of Mustard seed
The term "Mustard seed" holds diverse meanings across various cultural and spiritual contexts. In Jainism, it represents the seeds of the mustard plant. In Vaishnavism, it serves as a metaphor for the universe's lightness compared to Lord Ananta. The Purana associates it with rituals symbolizing the destruction of evil and auspiciousness. In Theravada, it symbolizes the universality of death and the quest for life, highlighted in Kisagotami's story. Overall, "Mustard seed" encapsulates themes of insignificance, spirituality, and ritual significance across traditions.
Synonyms: White mustard seed
In Dutch: Mosterdzaad; In Finnish: Sinapinsiemen; In Spanish: Semilla de mostaza
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Mustard seed'
In Buddhism, the mustard seed symbolizes the universality of death, impermanence, the quest for spiritual realization, and the journey of a bodhisattva as exemplified by Kisagotami's search for life amid loss.
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A figurative representation of desires and attachments that, when they fall away from the mind, indicate a higher state of spiritual realization.[1] (2) The object of Kisagotami's quest, symbolizing the search for life amidst the universal truth of death; she was asked to find them from a house where no death had occurred.[2] (3) A symbol used by the Buddha to illustrate the universality of death, as it must be sought from a household that has not faced loss.[3]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Items in the example representing the countless beings the bodhisattva seeks to save, taken away one at a time over an extended period.[4] (2) A reference to the act of breaking the Buddha's bones into tiny pieces as he prepares for his transition; symbolizes the impermanence of physical form.[5]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) A metaphorical representation symbolizing the compactness and miraculous transformation of the vast universes into a small, singular area.[6]
From: The Six Yogas of Naropa
(1) A metaphorical reference to the size of the words visualized during meditation, indicating subtlety and clarity.[7]
Hindu concept of 'Mustard seed'
In Hinduism, the mustard seed symbolizes various significant concepts, including medicinal measurements, ritual offerings, and metaphors emphasizing the universe's insignificance, fertility, and the destruction of demonic forces, reflecting both practical and spiritual dimensions.
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) A measure of the pill's weight for children up to 15 years of age, indicating a smaller dose.[8] (2) The size reference for the pills made from a mixture of medicinal ingredients.[9] (3) Seeds used in the preparation process that contribute to the overall effects of the medicinal mixture.[10] (4) The size reference for the pills that are to be formed from the rubbed ingredients.[11] (5) The size reference for the pills made from the mixture, indicating they should be small like a mustard seed.[12]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances
(1) Particles that resemble mustard seeds found in the holes or pores of the Sarshapa tuber.[13] (2) Seeds from the mustard plant that are included in the fermentation process, contributing to the flavor profile.[14]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 5: Treatment of various afflictions
(1) A type of seed referred to as 'sarshapa', represented as 6 units in the provided text.[15]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A comparison made to illustrate the insignificance of the universe's weight in relation to the powerful being that holds it.[16] (2) A metaphor used to illustrate the lightness and insignificance of the universe compared to Lord Ananta's capacity.[17] (3) A metaphor employed to describe the universe's size in relation to Anantadeva's form, emphasizing His immense nature.[18] (4) A small seed used as a metaphorical reference to demonstrate how thick and dense the crowd was, to the extent that it would not reach the ground if dropped.[19]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A tiny seed used in a simile to illustrate how the entire earth appears small and insignificant when considered with respect to Rama's power.[20] (2) A comparison used to describe the earth's smallness as held by Lord Balarama.[21]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) A specific type of seed mixed with other grains for fumigation in the ritual.[22] (2) Two seeds used in conjunction with a formula during the ceremony, symbolizing fertility and procreation.[23]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A type of seed that is involved in the offerings made during the ceremony.[24]
From: Apastamba Grihya-sutra
(1) Seeds used in the ceremonial sacrifice alongside rice-chaff during the rituals.[25]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Seeds scattered during the initiation rite symbolizing the destruction of demonic forces.[26] (2) Seeds included in the woollen thread tied to the idol, symbolizing auspiciousness during the rituals.[27]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Seeds utilized in rituals, contributing to the sanctification of the lying-in room.[28]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Seeds planted by Kadaligarbha along her route, which serve as a means to find her way back to her father's hermitage later.[29] (2) Elements that, when taken from a demon's possession, provide Vidushaka with the ability to fly through the air.[30]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) A specific example used in the argument to illustrate the difference in constituent parts compared to larger entities like a mountain.[31]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) A small seed referenced to highlight the diminutive nature of the Self.[32]
From: Matangalila and Hastyayurveda (study)
(1) A seed used as a measurement unit in Gajashastra, representing a certain quantity of food in the diet of elephants.[34]
Jain concept of 'Mustard seed'
In Jainism, mustard seed symbolizes the significance of growth and transformation, reflecting on the duration it takes for these seeds to sprout, emphasizing patience and the potential inherent in humble beginnings.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) seeds derived from mustard plants, mentioned in the context of discussing their sprouting duration.[35]
The concept of Mustard seed in local and regional sources
Mustard seed has multiple cultural references, including its use in transportation to Rajagriha, tracking lovers, almsgiving, and crop collection for the King, highlighting its significance in various narratives and traditions.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The crops Kota is tasked to collect for the King, assisted by the doves he released earlier.[36]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) Used to fill a canal basin for transporting someone to Rajagriha.[37]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) A seed given by the herd boy to the bonga girl, which is used as a method of giving alms to beggars.[38] (2) A seed that the old woman tied to the horse's tail, which allowed her sons to track the lovers.[39]
The concept of Mustard seed in scientific sources
Mustard seed is utilized in experiments to evaluate plant growth, chosen for its quick growth traits, making it ideal for testing the effectiveness of various soil samples.
From: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
(1) Seeds used in the experiment for checking plant growth, selected for their rapid growth characteristics in testing soil samples.[40]