Vadanya - वदान्य
The Provider
The Mother Cow
Vadanyas are represented by the mother cow because like a mother cow, Vadanyas are very abundant, nurturing, and benevolent.
Abundant
Cows are seen as symbols of purity and abundance. Cow's milk, ghee, yogurt, cheese, and buttermilk are all part of human diet. They are also used in Ayurvedic medicine to create various remedies and therapies for a wide range of ailments. Cow dung and cow urine are natural fertilizers, and have been used in India for centuries. Cow dung is also used for making natural gas that is used for cooking and lighting homes. Cows are also often associated with fertility and abundance due to their ability to produce milk and reproduce. In this context, they symbolize the generative and life-giving qualities of motherhood.
Nurturing
Cows are known for their nurturing behavior towards their calves. They provide milk, warmth, and protection to their offspring, ensuring their well-being and growth. In Hinduism, the cow is seen as a symbol of motherhood, and as such, is regarded with great reverence and respect. Mahatma Gandhi described cows as, “the mother to millions of mankind,” as evidenced by the fact that the mother cow provides milk that nourishes all creatures, not just her own.
Benevolent
Cows exhibit calm and peaceful behavior, which is often associated with motherly love and care. They are generally known for their gentle nature, peacefully grazing in the grass. Although they are such large animals and could kill and eat animals smaller than themselves, yet they do not. Benevolent cows do no harm to others, and subsist purely on a vegetarian diet. Cows bring to life the yogic principle of ahimsa, non-violence.
Sanskrit Meaning
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In Sanskrit, the term, “vadanya” means, generous or benevolent.
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Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, abundance and prosperity, is often associated with the qualities of vadanya due to her generosity.
Vadanya' Superpowers
Vadanya types are selfless, kind, generous, nurturing, compassionate, and always willing to help others in need. They feel happy and satisfied when they can provide for others, whether it be their time, a gift, their own possessions, or a listening ear.
Their purity of heart is expressed in their benevolent actions, such as being patient, steady, polite, and understanding. Vadanyas have an easy-going, go with the flow mood.
They are highly empathetic and compassionate individuals that frequently show an interest in the helping, healing or hospitality professions.
Vadanya in Different States of Mind
Sattva
Peaceful. Clear.
They are patient, loving and calm. Just being in their presence, makes you feel peaceful. They are kind-hearted, warm, nurturing and friendly. They generously give to others out of their compassionate heart, but they maintain a healthy boundary so as not to give more than they can afford to give. Vadanyas have a knack for sensing people’s needs and helping or serving them without ever being asked. They give for the sake of giving without expecting anything in return. They have the tendency to feel happy just to give, regardless of if the recipient acknowledges, appreciates, or reciprocates their generosity.
Rajas
Passionate. Active.
They use their warm, friendly and giving nature to manipulate others. For example, they could shower you with compliments or gifts in order to get you to love them or to gain power, position or possessions. They tend to feel angry and may lash out with harsh words if their efforts go unappreciated or unreciprocated.
Tamas
Passive. Confused.
They become too attached to those that they provide for. They use their good quality of giving, but for a selfish cause - they give for the sake of making people reliant or dependent upon them. They are prone to feel rejected and depressed if the object of their desire does not accept, appreciate and reciprocate their gifts.
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The Supporters derive happiness from performing service to others. They add value by enriching whatever they bring into people's lives. Whether it is through assisting, providing, entertaining, or connecting, without a doubt, the Supporter types have a real knack for bettering anything they touch.
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