Significance of Sense of smell
The sense of smell, as defined across various philosophical and scientific perspectives, involves the ability to detect odors using the olfactory system, primarily the nose. In Hinduism, Jainism, Ayurveda, and other philosophies, it is recognized as a crucial sense for interacting with the environment and achieving internal balance. This sense plays a significant role in daily life, influencing experiences and emotions, and can be impaired by injuries. Overall, the understanding of the sense of smell encompasses both its physical and metaphorical significance in discerning reality.
Synonyms: Olfaction, Scent detection, Odor detection
In Dutch: Reukvermogen; In Finnish: Hajuaisti; In Spanish: Sentido del olfato; In German: Geruchssinn; In Swedish: Luktsinne; In Malay: Deria bau; In French: Odorat
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Sense of smell'
In Buddhism, the sense of smell is seen as both a physiological ability influencing perception and understanding, and as a means to deepen awareness. It connects to experiences of obstruction and enhances insight through focused practice.
(1) This refers to one of the senses, and when it is affected by the retribution, it leads to enclosures, bags, beating, and binding up.[1] (2) The physiological ability to perceive and identify odors, discussed in relation to the sensations of penetration and obstruction and their influence on understanding the nature of smelling.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Sense of smell'
In Hinduism, the sense of smell is seen as a vital faculty that connects individuals to the subtleties of life and experiences, deeply tied to the earth and the divine. It emphasizes olfactory perception's importance in recognizing and interacting with the world.
(1) This is how aromatherapy produces a positive physiological effect, which is done through the use of aromatic essential oils.[4] (2) The sense of smell was reduced in the patient, which was one of the clinical findings during the examination of the nose.[5] (3) This is a crucial aspect of olfactory information, and a loss of this sense can elevate the risk of overlooking warning signals like the smell of gas, fire, or spoiled food.[6] (4) This is known as olfaction, and is the process of perceiving odors through chemoreceptors in the nasal epithelium, which is well developed in animals.[7] (5) This is a sensory function that can be impaired by injuries to the olfactory system, and damage to the olfactory nerve fibers can cause loss of smell.[8]
(1) The olfactory organ, which plays a critical role in daily life and was historically the most important sense.[9]
(1) The perception associated with odor, illustrating the essence within the act of smelling.[10] (2) The ability to perceive odors through the sense of smell, one of the outward sensations.[11] (3) Represents the capacity to perceive scents and, metaphorically, the ability to discern the subtleties in experiences and life.[12]
(1) One of the five senses, specifically connected to the earth, with the nose being its primary organ for detecting scents.[13]
(1) The sensory capacity that perceives the smell of an object, which is dependent on contact with a specific substance.[14] (2) An example noting that the quality of smell is not experienced by the sense itself but is necessary for recognizing smells in the environment.[15] (3) The specific faculty of perceiving odors or scents, which is discussed in the context of how it interacts with the perfection of objects.[16]
(1) The capability attributed to animals allowing them to interact with the world, contrasted with human sight.[18]
(1) The perception of odour facilitated by the olfactory organ, which is integral to the sensory system, being specifically constructed from earth-molecules.[19]
Jain concept of 'Sense of smell'
In Jainism, the sense of smell is viewed as a controllable faculty that requires overcoming biases towards different odors for achieving balance, and it plays a significant role in perception and experience among various beings.
(1) The sense through which smell is experienced, identified as the sense-organ of smell.[20] (2) This sense (ghrana) is an additional capability found in creatures like the ant (pipilika), alongside touch and taste.[21] (3) An additional sense for the three-sensed beings, known as ghrana-prana.[22] (4) The ability to detect odors through the nose, which necessitates contact with smell particles.[23]
(1) The sense that should be controlled by abandoning biases towards different odors to achieve balance.[24]
The concept of Sense of smell in local and regional sources
The sense of smell, as explained, is an instrument of sensory perception used in experiments to delve into phenomena, while metaphorically representing a numbness to suffering among villagers, highlighting their desensitization to harsh realities.
(1) The nose is not this, but rather the instrument, and behind it lies the organ, as indicated in the provided text, explaining sensory perception.[25] (2) Sense of smell was used in experiments to reach the fine parts of things, as individuals sought to get to the basis of the phenomena.[26] (3) Experiments were conducted to explore this sense as a means of understanding the fundamental aspects of the subject under examination.[27]
(1) Metaphor for numbness to suffering; signifies that the villagers have become desensitized to their dire circumstances.[28]
The concept of Sense of smell in scientific sources
The Sense of smell, linked to the Ghrana organ and the olfactory system, allows scent perception and can be impaired by injuries. It's crucial for enjoyment and serves as a warning for hazardous environments.
(1) This is an invaluable sense that enables people to appreciate the scent of objects and acts as a warning signal when encountering potentially hazardous food or environment.[29]