Significance of What

In Tibetan Buddhism, "what" symbolizes the Blue Colour associated with light emerging through an opening, signifying its inherent nature. In Vaishnavism, "what" addresses the perplexing events that led to confusion, serves as a question word concerning the rare qualities of the nectar from Krsna’s lips, and prompts inquiries for more specific information. It also relates to actions that caused Jagannatha to remain in His place. Historically in India, "what" reflects the quest for understanding the essence of experiences.1
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The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'What'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, "What" signifies the Blue Colour linked to light entering through an opening, suggesting a deeper understanding of color's nature and its implications within Buddhist teachings.

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]

(1) This word is used to describe the Blue Colour that is related to light and is coming through an opening, which has an implication for the nature of the Blue Colour.[1]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Hindu concept of 'What'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "What" serves as a question word expressing inquiry, revealing curiosity about divine aspects, prompting requests for clarity, and introducing subjects of bewilderment related to Krishna's actions and the companions’ experiences.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) The word 'what' is used to inquire about something specific, prompting a request for additional details or information from the listener.[2] (2) A question word used in the context of expressing inquiry about the valuable or rare aspect of the nectar from Krsna’s lips.[3]

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) This word introduces the actions of the companion that led to Jagannatha remaining in His place.[4] (2) This word introduces the subject of their bewilderment, referring to the event or series of events that caused their confusion.[5]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

The concept of What in local and regional sources

History Books

The keyphrase "What" symbolizes a quest for understanding the fundamental nature of experiences, emphasizing an inherent curiosity and the pursuit of deeper comprehension of various phenomena, according to regional insights.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) The inquiry seeks the nature or essence of the experience, revealing a desire for comprehension.[6]