Significance of Smearing

Smearing, according to Dharmashastra, involves two main practices: first, it refers to the act of rubbing surfaces with cleansing substances like cow-dung or lime to purify defiled areas; second, it signifies the sharing of food juices during rituals with the Partakers. In Theravada, Smearing is characterized by the residue left on the body from food, emphasizing the unappealing aspects of eating and digestion. This concept highlights purification and the nature of ritual practices across different traditions.

Synonyms: Smudging, Blotting, Spreading, Slandering, Defaming, Maligning

In Dutch: Uitsmeren; In Finnish: Tahraaminen; In Spanish: Manchado; In German: Verschmieren

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

Buddhist concept of 'Smearing'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Smearing symbolizes the residual effects of eating, emphasizing the distastefulness of digestion. It serves as a reminder of the impermanence of physical pleasures and the importance of detachment from bodily desires.

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

From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)

(1) The act of food leaving residues on various parts of the body, reinforcing the repulsive nature of the eating and digestion process.[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).

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

From: Mahavastu (great story)

(1) The king saw Padumavati smeared with blood like an ogress.[2]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Smearing'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Smearing signifies purification by rubbing substances like cow-dung or lime on defiled areas and symbolically sharing ritual food juices with participants, emphasizing communal sharing and sanctity during spiritual practices.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) Cleaning and whitewashing with things such as cowdung, lime and the like.[3] (2) This is a method of purification, especially with cow-dung, used when cleaning is not possible, and for solid or defiled earth.[4] (3) Smearing involves rubbing surfaces with substances like cow-dung or lime to purify them, especially areas that have become defiled.[5] (4) The juices from food that may stick to one’s hand during rituals, which are symbolically 'shared' with the Partakers during the offering.[6]

From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra

(1) Substances that need to be removed and purified during the ritual process.[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.

The concept of Smearing in scientific sources

Science Books

Smearing involves applying thin layers of liquid specimens onto a microscope slide, allowing for detailed examination under a microscope, thereby facilitating the analysis of microscopic structures and organisms in various scientific fields.

Significance in Health Sciences:
Health Sciences Books

From: Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research

(1) These are samples prepared for microscopic examination, which are used to detect the presence of bacteria or fungi.[8]

Plural form: Smearings.