Significance of Cultivation

Cultivation encompasses various meanings across different contexts. In South Asia, it is linked to farming, subsistence for cultivators, and agriculture during the Maurya period. The Natyashastra regards it as the primary occupation, while Mahayana Buddhism interprets cultivation as an essential spiritual practice aimed at enlightenment and personal development. Theravada focuses on the preparation of land for crops, while scientific perspectives highlight the agricultural processes for growing specific plants. Overall, cultivation represents both physical agriculture and spiritual growth.1
gallery thumb

Synonyms: Farming, Agriculture, Growing, Tillage, Breeding, Raising, Development, Enhancement, Planting, Sowing, Husbandry, Agronomy

In French: Cultivation; In Dutch: Teelt; In Finnish: Viljely; In Spanish: Cultivo; In German: Anbau; In Swedish: Odling; In Malay: Penanaman

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

Buddhist concept of 'Cultivation'

Buddhism Books

Cultivation in Buddhism encompasses a multifaceted journey of spiritual growth, aimed at realizing ultimate truth and enlightenment through practices like meditation and adherence to teachings, focusing on personal development and the enhancement of mental and spiritual faculties.

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

From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)

(1) The process of spiritual practice that leads to understanding and realization of ultimate truth and enlightenment.[1] (2) The process of developing one’s mind and virtue through practice and discipline along the path to enlightenment.[2] (3) The process of personal and spiritual development aimed at achieving enlightenment and understanding of deeper truths.[3] (4) The practice and process of nurturing one's path to enlightenment; Pilindavatsa emphasizes intent on the enlightened mind for this process.[4] (5) The practice of spiritual development and mindfulness in pursuit of truth, requiring consistent effort and focus.[5]

From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Purvapranidhana Sutra

(1) The practice of developing one's spiritual understanding and virtues based on Buddhist teachings.[6]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

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

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

(1) The process of preparing land for crops, which occurs after the forest is cleared due to the absence of the predators.[7] (2) Cultivation refers to the act of preparing and using land for growing crops, which the brahmin is doing in the story.[8]

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).

Hindu concept of 'Cultivation'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Cultivation signifies subsistence for cultivators and serves as the main occupation during the Maurya period, emphasizing the importance of agriculture and associated tasks in society and economy.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Harivamsha Purana

(1) The means of subsistence for cultivators, significant in the context of the text.[9]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

The concept of Cultivation in local and regional sources

History Books

Cultivation encompasses both farming practices by the eldest Yaka, resulting in wealth, and the gradual enhancement of listeners' appreciation for music, highlighting growth and development in both agricultural and cultural contexts.

Significance in South Asia:
South Asia Books

From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3

(1) The act of farming that the eldest Yaka engaged in, leading to his prosperity.[10]

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) The process by which listeners develop a deeper appreciation for the music over time.[11]