Significance of Wind Element
The Wind Element holds significant meaning across various traditions, including Tibetan Buddhism, Vaishnavism, Purana, Ayurveda, Mahayana, and Theravada. In Tibetan Buddhism, it signifies the dying process and symbolizes freedom in Tantric practices. Vaishnavism portrays it as a resilient aspect amid sorrow. Purana highlights its role in movement and energy, while Ayurveda connects it to lightness and dryness in food properties. Mahayana emphasizes its transient nature, and Theravada describes it as essential for connecting the mind and body, representing movement and change in existence.
In Dutch: Windelement
In Finnish: Tuuli elementti
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Wind Element'
The Wind Element in Buddhism, or vayu, symbolizes movement, change, and the transient nature of existence. It connects mental intentions to physical actions, representing freedom, clarity, and embodying the dynamics of life and thought processes.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A fundamental aspect described as pervading the body and being conditioned by the mind; it connects mental intentions with physical movements.[1] (2) The fourth of the physical elements representing movement and change in the context of existence.[2]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) Characterized by motion and distension, it facilitates movement and physical posture.[3] (2) The element related to movement and distension, encompassing all forms of wind, respiration, and the forces within the body.[4]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) The element representing freedom and clarity in Tantric practices, associated with the syllable YAM.[5]
From: The Six Yogas of Naropa
(1) The air-element signifies the stage of dying where bodily warmth concentrates at the extremities as the process continues.[6]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The wind element called vayu, is deemed superior to fire due to its movement and is noted for not being visible or possessing any tastes or touches.[7]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) An essential aspect of existence that symbolizes the movement of thoughts and the transient nature of all things.[8]
Hindu concept of 'Wind Element'
The Wind Element in Hinduism signifies movement and energy, embodies life through breath, symbolizes lightness and dryness, reflects spiritual transcendence, remains resilient amid sorrow, and serves as a metaphor for subtle actions in the cosmos.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) One of the five elements that represents movement and energy in living beings.[9] (2) Represents Suka identifying with the cosmic element, indicating his deep spiritual realization and transcendence.[10] (3) A primal element that vanishes when breath is restrained, contributing to the concept of life.[11] (4) A metaphor for the subtle and imperceptible nature of Vipula's actions when he enters Ruci's body.[12]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) A proto-element connected to qualities including lightness and dryness, which contribute to the properties of various food items.[13]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The component of the four elements that remained strong despite the sorrow experienced by the cowherd boys, as it passed through their nostrils.[14]