Significance of Oil

Oil is a versatile substance recognized across multiple practices and beliefs. In Jainism, it serves as fuel for lamps, while Tibetan Buddhism highlights its significance in understanding knowledge. Vaishnavism describes oil as a cooking ingredient and a vital offering. Ayurveda regards it as healing, derived from plants or seeds, while Dharmashastra includes it in food preparation, affecting food edibility. Rasashastra references it in purification processes. The multifaceted nature of oil signifies its importance in various cultural and spiritual contexts.1
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Synonyms: Petroleum, Crude oil, Lubricant, Fuel, Fossil fuel, Grease

In Spanish: Aceite; In Dutch: Olie; In Finnish: Öljy; In German: Öl

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

Buddhist concept of 'Oil'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, oil symbolizes knowledge and insight, representing the understanding an ‘all-knowing’ person possesses. Its significance lies in illustrating the depth of awareness in spiritual discourse.

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

From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]

(1) Oil is highlighted as one of the examples of materials that could be known by an ‘all-knowing’ person, indicating its significance in the discourse.[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.

Hindu concept of 'Oil'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, oil encompasses various interpretations, including its use in Ayurveda for healing, cooking, purification, and offerings, highlighting its significance in rituals and food preparation, while emphasizing its cultural and spiritual importance.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) A cooking ingredient that was provided to the women, indicating a food item used in preparation.[2] (2) An item included in the offerings by Mother Shaci to the ladies.[3] (3) The substance given to someone, likely significant in the context of the story.[4] (4) A viscous liquid derived from plants or animals, often used for cooking or as a fuel.[5]

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) A liquid substance made from various plants or animals, advised against on the dvadashi.[6]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) This term encompasses various types of fats used in food preparation, including butter, oil, fat, and bone-marrow, which influence the edibility of stale foods.[7]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)

(1) An unctuous substance often derived from seeds or fruits utilized in Ayurveda for healing purposes.[8]

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.

Significance in Rasashastra (chemistry and alchemy):
Rasashastra Books

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

(1) A general term referring to various oils used in the purification processes of makshika.[9]

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.

Jain concept of 'Oil'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, oil symbolizes a flammable substance essential for fueling the lamp's flame, representing light and knowledge. It highlights the connection between material and spiritual aspects, emphasizing the pursuit of enlightenment through the illumination of wisdom.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)

(1) A flammable liquid that is contained in the lamp and serves as fuel for the flame.[10]

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.

Plural form: Oils.