Significance of Vital organ

The concept of vital organs encompasses various interpretations across different traditions, including Jainism, Ayurveda, and Mahayana. Generally, vital organs are essential components necessary for sustaining life, including the heart, brain, liver, and kidneys. These organs are crucial for maintaining health and can significantly impact overall well-being when compromised. Different philosophies also highlight the interdependence of these organs and their connection to the physical and spiritual aspects of existence, emphasizing their importance in both health and life.

Synonyms: Essential organ, Important organ, Critical organ

In Swedish: Vital organ; In Dutch: Vitaal orgaan; In Finnish: Tärkeä elin; In Spanish: Órgano vital; In German: Lebenswichtiges Organ; In Malay: Organ penting

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

Buddhist concept of 'Vital organ'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, "Vital organ" signifies a crucial physical component linked to life and murder, illustrating interdependence. It represents the second organ formed in the womb, essential for existence and the functioning of other bodily systems.

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

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) The second organ acquired by a person when entering the womb, essential for life.[1] (2) The physical aspect of a living being that must be affected for an act to be defined as murder.[2] (3) An essential part of the body that, if lost, leads to the destruction of other organs; highlights the interdependence within the context of progress.[3]

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 'Vital organ'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "Vital organ" encompasses essential body components, specifically genito-urinary organs, heart, and head, crucial for life and wellness. It connects to concepts in the Upanishads and influences spiritual practices like shraddha rituals.

Significance in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)

(1) The first six resorts of life deemed essential for survival, including head, throat, and heart.[4] (2) Organs that are considered essential for life; in this text, the genito-urinary organs, heart, and head are identified as the principal vital organs.[5] (3) Specific organs in the body regarded as essential for life, identified in the context as the genito-urinary organs, heart, and head.[6] (4) The hundred and seven organs located in the trunk and limbs that, when afflicted, cause severe suffering due to their connection with the sentient principle of the body.[7]

From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)

(1) Crucial systems in the body that are impacted by aggravated humours, leading to symptoms such as vomiting.[8]

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.

Significance in Kavya (poetry):
Kavya Books

From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)

(1) One of the parts of the body that is spiritually reconstituted during the shraddha rituals.[9]

Kavya refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or ‘epic poetry’ and natya, or ‘dramatic poetry’.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)

(1) The concept discussed in the Upanishads regarding elements of human existence and their relation to the individual self.[10]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Jain concept of 'Vital organ'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, a vital organ is seen as essential for sustaining life, emphasizing the importance of the connection between a mother and her developing child during gestation. This reflects the deep reverence for life within the faith.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)

(1) An organ essential for sustaining life, particularly in the context of the connection between the mother and the developing child.[11]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

The concept of Vital organ in local and regional sources

History Books

The keyphrase "Vital organ" pertains to the Kamakhya site, symbolizing a segment of the Devi's anatomy, which is viewed as the embodiment of her life force and fertility, highlighting its spiritual significance in the region.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) The conceptual association of the Kamakhya site with a part of the Devi's anatomy, believed to embody her life force and fertility.[12]

Plural form: Vital organs.