Significance of Observer

The term "Observer" holds different meanings across various contexts. In Tibetan Buddhism, it signifies the individual's cognitive perception. Within Purana, it represents the conscious aspect of existence, linked to Atman in Vedanta. Ayurveda uses "Observer" to describe Atman's characteristics. Science defines an observer as someone who interviews patients. In health sciences, the observer is the individual taking blood pressure, crucial for accurate readings.

Synonyms: Witness, Viewer, Spectator, Examiner, Inspector, Eyewitness

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

Buddhist concept of 'Observer'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, the Observer is the individual using cognitive abilities to perceive and compare. This observer is likely experiencing the soothing impressions created by the painted lotus decorations on the walls, posts, and roofs.

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

(1) The individual who perceives and makes comparisons based on their cognitive ability.[1]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

(1) The walls, central posts, roofs, etc., were decorated with paintings of blue, red and white lotus to give soothing impressions to these people.[2]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Observer'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, the Observer is a characteristic of Atman, the true self. It is described in the Charaka Samhita alongside other adjectives, and is associated with rituals. The Observer represents the conscious aspect, akin to Atman in Vedanta, that perceives the universe.

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

(1) The conscious aspect of existence that perceives the universe; in Vedanta, equated with Atman.[3]

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 Vedic Hinduism (also orthodox Brahmanism):
Vedic Hinduism Books

(1) The formula recited during the moving of the vasativari water to and fro mentions these of the vows, indicating a connection to the ritual.[4]

Vedic Hinduism refers to traditional Brahmanism adhering to the vast literature known as Shruti, including the four Vedas, the Brahmanas (interpretation and commentaries) and Upanishads (philosophical discourses) as well as a variety of appendices known as Sutras.

Significance in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

(1) The text mentions the term observer as one of the adjectives used to describe characteristics of Atman in various places of Charaka Samhita, alongside other adjectives such as Niravayava and Sukshma.[5]

Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

The concept of Observer in local and regional sources

History Books

Observer, in this context, signifies two distinct ideas. Firstly, it represents an individual akin to an embroiderer, implying a role within a specific craft. Secondly, it denotes a place of work, specifically associated with J. L. Garvin.

Significance in India history and geography:

(1) This is where J. L. Garvin worked.[6]

(1) This is a person who is in the position of the embroiderer in this craft.[7]

The concept of Observer in scientific sources

Science Books

Observer, in this context, signifies two key roles. Firstly, it is the individual measuring blood pressure, crucial for accurate readings. Secondly, it represents the person interviewing patients to collect their self-reported pain levels, highlighting its importance in data collection.

Significance in Health Sciences:
Health Sciences Books

(1) The person taking the blood pressure measurement, and is the most critical component of accurate blood pressure measurement, according to the provided text.[8]

(1) Two individuals, a radiology trainee and a consultant radiologist, who performed blinded retrospective analysis of the imaging data.[9]

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Significance in Scientific journals, articles, etc.:

(1) An observer interviewed the patients to gather their self-assessment of pain intensity.[10]

This section includes scientific research in the field of healthcare, often involving traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Holistic health. It includes papers from scientific journals classified as either original, clinical or experimental research, review articles or case reports.