Significance of Organ of hearing
The Organ of hearing is recognized across various philosophical and spiritual traditions, including Jainism, Purana, Ayurveda, and Mahayana. In Jainism, it denotes the sensory capability to perceive both pleasant and unpleasant sounds. Purana relates it to spiritual receptivity and lord Shiva. Ayurveda identifies it as vital for disease diagnosis within the five senses. Mahayana presents it as a metaphorical expression for listening and understanding deeper teachings, emphasizing the efficiency of the ears to perceive sounds in all directions.
Synonyms: Ear, Auditory organ
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Organ of hearing'
In Buddhism, the Organ of hearing symbolizes an adeptness in truly listening to the Dharma's teachings, emphasizing both metaphorical insight and the physical ears' unparalleled ability to hear from all directions, as inferred by Ananda.
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary by Hsuan Hua)
(1) A metaphorical expression implying the ability to listen and understand the deeper teachings of the Dharma.[1] (2) Identified as the organ that penetrates the most perfectly but is not directly stated, leaving Ananda to determine it.[2] (3) The ears, recognized for their complete efficacy of twelve hundred, able to hear in all spatial directions without obstruction.[3]
From: Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika)
(1) The natural faculty of hearing that comprehends various sounds in the environment without succumbing to distraction.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Organ of hearing'
In Hinduism, the Organ of hearing symbolizes Ishana's spiritual aspect, representing both physical hearing and metaphorical receptivity to divine knowledge, while also serving as a vital tool for physicians in diagnosing ailments.
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The ear, which is the instrument through which the Self hears.[5] (2) The part of the body responsible for detecting sound; it temporarily left the body and later returned to inquire about the survival of other organs.[6] (3) Called pratihara, this organ is considered superior to the eyes as it has the capacity to perceive more than what is visible.[7] (4) The organ of hearing is described as one of the four feet of Brahman, signifying its importance in gaining knowledge and realizing Brahman.[8] (5) The organ of hearing is identified as the Rig Veda, which is essential for understanding the connection between sound and the mind.[9]
From: Siddhanta Sangraha of Sri Sailacharya
(1) The body part that serves as the cause of sound perception.[10]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Refers specifically to the function and perception involving the ear.[11]
From: The Shiva Purana
(1) A function associated with the Ishana form of lord Shiva.[12]
From: The Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The physical ability to hear, described metaphorically concerning spiritual receptivity.[13]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 1: Sutrasthana
(1) One of the five senses used by physicians to assist in disease diagnosis.[14]
From: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 6: Uttara-tantra
(1) The ear as the anatomical structure responsible for auditory perception.[15]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) The sensory organ responsible for perceiving sound, which also serves as a medium through which the 'word' (shabda) is understood.[16] (2) The 'Organ of hearing' (Shrotra) is that organ which perceives sound, and is produced by egotism.[17]
Jain concept of 'Organ of hearing'
In Jainism, the organ of hearing is the sensory system component that perceives sounds, distinguishing between pleasant and unpleasant types, and encompasses the anatomical structures responsible for sound perception.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) The sensory organ that allows beings to perceive sounds.[18] (2) Refers to the anatomical structure responsible for perceiving sound.[19] (3) The part of the sensory system responsible for receiving sound, which can be categorized into two types: pleasant sounds and unpleasant sounds.[20]