Significance of Country folk

The term "country folk" is interpreted in various ways across different traditions and contexts. In Shaivism, it symbolizes a divine leader associated with the community, while in Theravada, it represents simple, trusting birds and a rural community steeped in traditional values, welcoming their prince. Historical references depict country folk as families fleeing to safety from impending danger during the rainy season. Overall, "country folk" captures the essence of rural life, highlighting their connection to culture, leadership, and survival.

Synonyms: Rural people, Country people, Rustic folk, Villagers, Rustic people

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

Buddhist concept of 'Country folk'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, "Country folk" symbolize traditional values and simplicity, contrasting urban dwellers. They embody trustfulness, as illustrated by the naive birds in the narrative, while celebrating the return of their esteemed prince.

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

From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6

(1) These, along with city folk, would gather joyously and give presents to Sunanda when the prince returned.[1] (2) These are the people who, along with the people of the town, were delighted to welcome back to Sivi land their prince of high renown.[2] (3) The birds of the story, depicted as simple and trusting, which makes them easy prey for the crow's deceit.[3] (4) Refers to the rural community representing traditional values and ways, often contrasted against the urban townsfolk in the narrative.[4]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance in Buddhism (general):

From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)

(1) These are mentioned alongside town-folk, both hearing that the prince was coming forth, and their actions are described.[5]

Hindu concept of 'Country folk'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "Country folk" signifies a divine leader who embodies praise and guidance for their community, reflecting a harmonious connection between spirituality and the cultural identity of the people.

Significance in Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy):
Shaivism Books

From: Tiruvacakam Part I

(1) The text mentions King of our country folk,-praise!, indicating a divine entity associated with a group of people, suggesting a role of leadership.[6]

Shaiva or Shaivism (shaivism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshiping Shiva as the supreme being. Closely related to Shaktism, Shaiva literature includes a range of scriptures, including Tantras, while the root of this tradition may be traced back to the ancient Vedas.

The concept of Country folk in local and regional sources

History Books

The keyphrase "Country folk" refers to rural individuals who, according to regional sources, were evacuating their homes with families and belongings to avoid an impending fever brought on by seasonal rains.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) The country-folk were met fleeing to the upper hills with their families and all their goods to escape the fever which would be upon them with the rains.[7]