Significance of Odour

Odour is understood differently across various philosophies. In Jainism, it is linked to the ability to sense smells influenced by name-karma, leading to scent distinctions. Vaisheshika regards odour as a quality of Earth that characterizes the smell of physical objects. Meanwhile, Theravada defines odour as a sensory experience detected by the nose, falling under external bases. Overall, the concept of odour encompasses both sensory perception and quality associated with physical entities.

Synonyms: Smell, Fragrance, Perfume, Stench

In Dutch: Geur; In Finnish: Haju

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

Buddhist concept of 'Odour'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Odour is interpreted as a sensory experience perceived through the nose, classified as an external base, representing the connection between sensory perception and the external world.

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

Theravada Books

From: Catusacca Dipani

(1) A sensory experience perceived by the nose, classified as an external base.^[1]

From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma

(1) The scent that can be detected by the nose basis.^[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 'Odour'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, odour represents a quality of Earth, symbolizing the unique scent or smell associated with physical entities. It signifies the tangible essence of corporeal objects within the broader context of the natural world.

Significance of Odour in Vaisheshika (school of philosophy):

Vaisheshika Books

From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali

(1) A quality that can be detected by the sense of smell, also one of the seventeen qualities noted in the Sutra.^[3] (2) A quality belonging to Earth that describes the scent or smell of a corporeal object.^[4]

Vaisheshika refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. Vaisheshika deals with subjects such as logic, epistemology, philosophy and expounds concepts similar to Buddhism in nature

Jain concept of 'Odour'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, Odour signifies the ability to perceive scents, influenced by name-karma, which determines the variations in fragrance experienced by individuals. This highlights the interplay between karma and sensory perception in Jain philosophy.

Significance of Odour in Jainism (general):

From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)

(1) The capacity to sense smells, determined by name-karma that causes distinctions in scent.^[5]

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.

Last Updated: 28 September, 2024