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A bindi ((ヒンディー語:बिंदी), from Sanskrit ''bindu'', meaning "point, drop, dot or small particle"). The word ''Bindu'' dates back to the ''hymn of creation'' known as Nasadiya Sukta in Rig Veda ''Bindu'' is considered the point at which creation begins and may become unity. It is also described as "the sacred symbol of the cosmos in its unmanifested state".〔Khanna 1979: p.171〕 Bindi is a bright dot of red colour applied in the center of the forehead close to the eyebrow worn in South Asia (particularly India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Mauritius)〔Khanna 1979: p.171〕 and Southeast Asia among Bali and Javanese Hindus. Bindi in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism is associated with Ajna Chakra and Bindu〔Mercier (2007). p. 267.〕 is known as the third eye chakra and is linked to the pineal gland which may inform a model of its envisioning.〔Mercier (2007). p. 267.〕 Bindu is the point or dot around which the mandala is created, representing the universe.〔Shakya, p. 82-83〕 Bindi has historical and cultural presence in the region of Greater India〔Southeast Asia: A Historical Encyclopedia, from Angkor Wat to East Timor, by Keat Gin Ooi p.642〕〔Hindu-Buddhist Architecture in Southeast Asia by Daigorō Chihara p.226〕 ==Religious significance== Traditionally, the area between the eyebrows (where the bindi is placed) is said to be the sixth chakra, ''ajna'', the seat of "concealed wisdom". The bindi is said to retain energy and strengthen concentration. The bindi also represents the third eye. The Nasadiya Sukta of the Rig Veda, the earliest known Sanskrit text, mentions the word ''Bindu''. The Ajna is symbolised by a sacred lotus with two petals, and corresponds to the colours violet, indigo or deep blue, though it is traditionally described as white. It is at this point that the two side nadi Ida (yoga) and Pingala are said to terminate and merge with the central channel Sushumna, signifying the end of duality, the characteristic of being dual (e.g. ''light'' and ''dark'', or ''male'' and ''female''). The seed syllable for this chakra is the syllable OM, and the presiding deity is Ardhanarishvara, who is a half male, half female Shiva/Shakti. The Shakti goddess of Ajna is called Hakini. In metaphysics, Bindu is considered the dot or point at which creation begins and may become unity. It is also described as "the sacred symbol of the cosmos in its unmanifested state."〔Khanna 1979: p.171〕 Bindu is the point around which the mandala is created, representing the universe.〔Shakya, p. 82-83〕 Ajna (along with Bindu), is known as the third eye chakra and is linked to the pineal gland which may inform a model of its envisioning. The pineal gland is a light sensitive gland that produces the hormone melatonin which regulates sleep and waking up, and is also postulated to be the production site of the psychedelic dimethyltryptamine, the only known hallucinogen endogenous to the human body. Ajna's key issues involve balancing the higher and lower selves and trusting inner guidance. Ajna's inner aspect relates to the access of intuition. Mentally, Ajna deals with visual consciousness. Emotionally, Ajna deals with clarity on an intuitive level.〔Mercier (2007). p. 267.〕 In Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism bindi is associated with Ajna Chakra and Bindu.〔Mercier (2007). p. 267.〕 Divinities in these religions are typically depicted with ''Bhrumadhya Bindu'', in meditative pose with their eyes nearly closed show the gaze focused between eyebrows, other spot being the tip of the nose – Naasikagra. The very spot between the eyebrows known as Bhrumadhya is where one focuses his/her sight, so that it helps concentration.〔Shakya, p. 82-83〕 In South Asia, bindi is worn by women of all religious dispositions and is not restricted to religion or region. However, the Islamic Research Foundation, located in India, says "wearing a bindi or mangalsutra is a sign of Hindu women. The traditional bindi still represents and preserves the symbolic significance that is integrated into Indian mythology in many parts of India." The red bindi has multiple meanings which are all valid at the same time. * By one simple interpretation it is a cosmetic mark used to enhance beauty. * From Vedic times, the bindi was created as a means to worship one's intellect. Therefore, it was used by both men and women. The worship of intellect was in order to use it to ensure our thoughts, speech, actions, habits and ultimately our character becomes pure. A strong intellect can help one to make noble decisions in life, be able to stand up to challenges in life with courage, and recognise and welcome good thoughts in life. The belief was that on this a strong individual, a strong family and strong society can be formed. Red represents honor, love and prosperity, hence it was worn to symbolism these aspects. * In meditation, this very spot between the eyebrows (Bhrumadhya) is where one focuses his/her sight, so that it helps concentration. Most images of Buddha or Hindu divinities in meditative pose with their eyes nearly closed show the gaze focused between eyebrows (other spot being the tip of the nose – naasikagra). * Swami Muktananda writes 'auspicious Kumkum or sandal wood paste is applied (between the eyebrows) out of respect for inner Guru. It is the Guru's seat. There is a chakra (centre of spiritual energy within human body) here called Ajna (Aadnyaa) chakra meaning 'Command centre'. Here is received the Guru's command to go higher in Sadhana (spiritual practice) to the 'Sahasraar' (seventh and final chakra) which leads to Self-realisation. The flame seen at the eyebrow is called 'Guru Jyoti'. (From Finite to Infinite, by Swami Muktananda, SYDA Foundation, S. Fallsburg, New York, 1989, pp. 88–89) * The encyclopedic dictionary of Yoga informs that this 'Ajna Chakra' is also called the 'Third eye'. This centre is connected with the sacred syllable 'Om' and presiding it is 'ParaaShiva'. After activation of this centre, the aspirant overcomes 'Ahamkar' (ego or sense of individuality), the last hoe on the path of spirituality. (Encyclopedic dictionary of Yoga, by Georg Fuerstein, Paragon House Publ, New York, 1990, p. 15). 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Bindi (decoration)」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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