Significance of Scent

According to Theravada, the concept of scent is associated with rituals in the monastery. Monks have the practice of marking the door with a five-finger mark and placing flowers to honor the scents brought into the monastery. This highlights the significance of scents in cultural and religious practices within Theravada Buddhism, emphasizing the reverence with which these offerings are treated. Overall, scent plays a role in the spiritual environment and activities of the monastic community.1
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Synonyms: Fragrance, Aroma, Smell, Odor, Perfume, Essence

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

Buddhist concept of 'Scent'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Scent signifies a ritualistic offering, where monks mark doors and place flowers to honor the sacred space, enhancing the monastery's sanctity and representing devotion and mindfulness in practice.

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

From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka

(1) Scents are brought to the monastery, and the Lord allows monks to give a five-finger mark on the door and lay the flowers down at one side.[1]

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 'Scent'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, scent is seen as a source of freshness and joy that boosts self-esteem, enhances virility, and promotes longevity, supported by scientific rationale highlighting its psychological and physiological benefits.

Significance in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

(1) Inhaling these brings freshness and joy, improves self-esteem, enhances virility, and promotes longevity, according to the provided text, which also has scientific reasons.[2]

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.