Significance of Venomous snake
The keyphrase "Venomous snake" appears in various cultural, spiritual, and scientific contexts, symbolizing danger and harmful experiences. In Buddhism, it serves as a metaphor for suffering and ignorance, while in Vaishnavism, it represents treachery and peril. The Purana uses it to illustrate danger through weapons or desires that can mislead. Scientifically, venomous snakes are species capable of inflicting harm or death with their venom. Overall, "Venomous snake" encapsulates both real and metaphorical threats across different domains.
Synonyms: Poisonous snake, Dangerous snake, Poisonous serpent, Deadly snake
In Dutch: Giftige slang; In Finnish: Myrkkykäärme; In Spanish: Serpiente venenosa; In German: Giftige Schlange; In Swedish: Giftorm; In Malay: Ular berbisa
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Venomous snake'
In Buddhism, the "venomous snake" symbolizes dangers like harmful desires, ignorance, and inner turmoil, representing both literal threats and metaphorical struggles that can hinder one's path to peace and enlightenment.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A metaphorical representation of dangers that reside within, which inhibit safety and peace.[1] (2) A metaphor for harmful thoughts and emotions that one should avoid or reject for personal safety and spiritual well-being.[2] (3) Represented as the four great elements or caturmahabhuta; they symbolize the dangers related to physical existence.[3] (4) Formidable creatures that the bodhisattva overcame through his meditative skills.[4] (5) A creature that the Buddha tamed as one of the eighteen miracles to impress the heretics.[5]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) A dangerous serpent known for its potentially lethal bite, symbolizing threats faced by the characters in the narrative.[6]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) Symbolizes hidden dangers that can lead to harm without awareness, reinforcing the idea of unforeseen consequences of actions.[7]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) A metaphor for suffering and harmful experiences that afflict beings, akin to the poison of ignorance.[8]
Hindu concept of 'Venomous snake'
In Hinduism, the term "venomous snake" serves as a multifaceted metaphor, symbolizing lethal threats, dangers, and destructive forces, such as weapons and emotions, while also reflecting deeper moral lessons about hidden dangers and avarice.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Snakes capable of injecting venom through bites, used as a form of weaponry.[9] (2) A metaphor indicating the deadly nature of Karna's arrows, capable of inflicting severe damage.[10] (3) A metaphor for a lethal adversary or threat that can harm if provoked.[11] (4) A metaphor describing the sons of Pandu, suggesting they are dangerous but also highlighting their capacity for destruction.[12] (5) Metaphorically suggests Bhima's accumulated wrath, comparing his anger to the lethal potential of a snake.[13]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Arrows described metaphorically as resembling deadly snakes, highlighting their lethality.[14] (2) A metaphor used by King Dasaratha to describe Queen Kaikeyi, indicating she is treacherous and deceitful despite her outward appearance.[15] (3) A metaphor describing Trishiras's arrows, indicating their lethal effectiveness.[16] (4) An analogy for Rama's arrows, denoting their lethal and fierce nature.[17] (5) Describes the arrows selected by Lakshmana, highlighting their lethal nature.[18]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A metaphor highlighting the malign characteristics of avarice, harmful and deceitful in nature.[19] (2) Symbolizes hidden dangers and desires within oneself that can harm and mislead if not recognized and addressed.[20] (3) Symbolizing the harmful and deceitful aspects of youthful vices.[21]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A comparison used to highlight that even beings without traditional means of hearing can appreciate beauty, such as music.[22]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) Symbolizes the numerous threats Prahlada faced; even encounters with deadly creatures did not harm him.[23]
From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)
(1) Snakes that can deliver venom capable of causing harm or death, with specific species recognized in the provided text.[24] (2) Snakes that possess toxic substances in their saliva capable of causing harm or death to humans, as described in various accounts of snakebite cases.[25]
From: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 5: Kalpasthana
(1) A snake that possesses toxic venom capable of causing harm.[26]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Representing danger and the threat to Mrigavati, it highlights the precariousness of her situation.[27] (2) Snakes whose bites are lethal, metaphorically referred to in the context of how poison-damsels transfer poison.[28]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Poisonous snakes that were part of Hiranyakashipu's attempts to kill his son.[29]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) A great serpent living in Thakur Haridas's cave, which symbolized danger but ultimately left upon Haridas's command.[30]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances
(1) Refers to highly poisonous snakes whose venom is claimed to be curable by duly incinerated emeralds, demonstrating the gem's potential medicinal properties.[31]
The concept of Venomous snake in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Venomous snake" symbolizes danger and betrayal in the text, representing snakes that carry venom while also serving as a metaphor for Ratthamma's feelings towards Subbi, highlighting both physical and emotional threats.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Ratthamma's derogatory metaphor for Subbi, indicating her feelings of betrayal and anger.[32] (2) Snakes that possess venom, representing danger; they are noted to crawl over the grass yet are not the true source of harm.[33]