Significance of Saman
Across various traditions, "Saman" holds diverse meanings. In Hinduism, it's a melodic hymn-tune vital for consecration rites and Vedic rituals, linked to divine authority and the evening feast. In Ayurveda, it's a treatment approach focusing on alleviating symptoms without eliminating the root cause, used in various conditions. In Dharmashastra, it's a type of Vedic chant for spiritual power and rituals. In Health Sciences, it's a pacifying treatment in Ayurveda, aiming to reduce dosha imbalances. Finally, in Vedic Hinduism, it is associated with Prajapati and chanted for protection.
In Dutch: Saman; In German: Saman; In Finnish: Saman; In Swedish: Saman; In Malay: Saman; In French: Saman; In Spanish: Samán
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Saman'
In Buddhism, "Saman" describes the Buddha's balanced state of mind, highlighting equanimity. It also references individuals, like shamans, who explore the spirit world while retaining their own identity. These individuals, notably from Kuaiji, are believed to access the spirit realm.
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) Shamans are defined as individuals who engage in spirit travel or communication while maintaining their own identity, according to the text.[1] (2) This term refers to people believed to have access to the spirit world, and the text mentions that Kuaiji was home to some of the most famous ones.[2]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) An adjective highlighting the equanimity or balanced state of the Buddha's mind.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Saman'
In Hinduism, "Saman" is multifaceted. It encompasses sacred chants and hymns from the Vedas, especially the Samaveda, used in rituals, offerings, and ceremonies. Saman is associated with melodies, spiritual power, and protection, also potentially linked to health and the Vedic cosmology.
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) Chants or verses that are sung during the ritual, specifically the Varavantiya and the Shyaita Samans mentioned.[4] (2) A type of chant or hymn used during the ritual; specifically mentioned in relation to Vishnu in the text.[5] (3) A specific kind of Vedic chant that is intended to protect and nourish the physical body.[6] (4) Chants or hymns recited during certain rites where it is advised that speech remain restrained.[7] (5) Musical chants or hymns recited during the Soma sacrifice, influencing the filling of the cups.[8]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The Saman represents a collection of Vedic chants or melodies, and proficiency in it is a qualification for ritual feeding.[9] (2) The term, when recited three times with a focused mental state, brings about the cleansing of all faults, as indicated by the source material.[10] (3) The chant being sung that prevents the reading of Rigveda and Yajurveda during its sound.[11] (4) A genre of Vedic hymns sung in specific melodies during rituals, especially within the Samaveda.[12]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) One of the elements the groom equates himself to, as part of the ritualistic chant, which shows a connection to nature.[13] (2) The Samans are texts that bring forth rivers of honey as offerings when recited.[14]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) A verse from the Sama-Veda that is to be recited under certain conditions during the Vedic rituals.[15]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) Musical hymns or verses associated with Vedic rituals, used during the offerings.[16]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) A type of chant or melody within the Vedic tradition that serves as a source of spiritual power or might.[17]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The Samans is mentioned as a portion of the Sun's splendour, highlighting its connection to the Sun.[18] (2) A term that has been corrected from Sama, likely a reference to a type of chant or scripture.[19]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The embodiment of which, of a thousand branches, the speaker is also called by, as mentioned in the text.[20] (2) Chants or hymns recited during the funeral rites, accompanying the sound of burning wood.[21]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Chanted by participants, these contribute to obtaining and acquiring much, signifying success and attainment.[22] (2) A melodic element used in conjunction with verses; it represents the musical aspect of chanting during rituals.[23] (3) Saman denotes a hymn-tune that represents lordship and is pivotal in the consecration rites, linking the performer to divine authority.[24] (4) A form created from the favourite forms and desirable powers of the gods, representing the truth.[25] (5) A melodious sacrificial chant that is significant in Vedic rituals, symbolized by a sound associated with a cow.[26]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) This is a type of meditation mentioned in the text, specifically in the section treating of the meditation on the Saman as the worlds and others. The text states the worlds in an ascending and descending line belong to him.[27] (2) This term is used to denote the entire second subdivision of the saman which is denoted by the word udgitha, and it is not the same as the omkara.[28] (3) This term refers to the object of meditation, and is the starting point, indicating that Aditya and others have to be superinduced on it, and it is exhibited in the objective case.[29] (4) The Saman is mentioned in the text in relation to the Chandogya vidya, and is connected with the Ric and fire, and the end of the vidya.[30]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The Saman denotes the vital force viewed as a union of all beings, highlighting the collective nature of existence that is facilitated by this life energy.[31] (2) A Ric that has the characteristic of being sung.[32]
From: Prashna Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The aspect of Prana that is responsible for distributing resources (food and drink) equally within the body.[33]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Saman is sung to both the Visual as well as the Solar Person, and one who knows this and sings Saman sings to both.[34]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) This is a sub-dosha of Vata.[35] (2) Shaman is a therapy that is adopted as per the different stages of the disease, as outlined in the text in the context of treatment modalities.[36] (3) This is a process that Abhyanga leads to, along with Prabha-Vardhan, thereby acting as an excellent anti-aging therapy, and is connected to the health benefits.[37] (4) This is a principle of Cancer treatment in Ayurveda, along with Amapachana, Dhatwagni Dipana, Shodhana, and Lekhana Chikitsa.[38] (5) This is a treatment approach that is part of the Ayurvedic treatment, used alongside Shodhana and other therapies to manage the condition.[39]
From: Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine
(1) This type of chikitsa involves the use of treatments to pacify or alleviate the symptoms of a disease, such as the use of Vaman therapy in this case.[40]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) The Saman is associated with Prajapati, as indicated by the formula used to initiate the Bahishpavamana Stotra, and it has an end point related to Indra.[41] (2) The Saman is chanted, and after each chanting, all should proceed with specific verses for protection and welfare.[42]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) What is called saman is either the rik sung in a particular manner or it is the song itself; it is not a separate entity.[43]
The concept of Saman in local and regional sources
Saman has multiple meanings in this context. It can refer to Parvateesam's luggage, misunderstood by English speakers. It also describes spiritual practitioners with distinct robes and a spiritual figure linked to the Arhat's past life, emphasizing reincarnation.
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) A spiritual figure referred to in the context of the Arhat's previous life, highlighting the connection between past existences and current state.[44] (2) Spiritual practitioners who have specific types of robes for their practices.[45]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Parvateesam's term for his luggage or belongings, which is misinterpreted by the English characters.[46]
The concept of Saman in scientific sources
Saman, in Ayurveda, is a treatment approach focused on alleviating symptoms and restoring balance within the body. It involves various methods, including medicinal herbs, therapies like Matra Basti, and internal medicines, all aimed at pacifying vitiated doshas without necessarily removing the root cause, supporting recovery and alleviating distress.
From: South African Journal of Psychiatry
(1) Individuals within the Aboriginal communities who served specific functions, employing rituals, ceremonies, and healing practices to address illness and alleviate distress.[47]
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) These individuals played roles as chief ritual actors in both the Tangse and Kunninggong sacrifices.[48]