Significance of Cultivator
The term Cultivator encompasses various meanings across different contexts. In South Asia, it refers to a farmer interacting with shepherds regarding land and livestock needs. In Vaishnavism, it denotes the Supreme Lord's nurturing role in spiritual development. According to Dharmashastra, cultivators are those who plant and nurture crops, facing challenges that affect their livelihood. In Mahayana Buddhism, cultivators actively engage in practices to achieve enlightenment, refining their understanding and control over thought to gain clarity and insight.
Synonyms: Farmer, Agriculturist, Gardener
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Cultivator'
In Buddhism, a Cultivator is a practitioner focused on refining thought and gaining insight, actively studying and practicing Buddha's teachings to attain enlightenment and overcome distractions.
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Individuals who actively engage in practice and the study of the Buddha's teachings aimed at achieving enlightenment and overcoming distractions.[1] (2) A practitioner aiming to refine their understanding and control over thought to achieve clarity and insight.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Cultivator'
In Hinduism, "Cultivator" symbolizes both the Supreme Lord nurturing spiritual growth and an individual involved in agriculture, highlighting their dual role in fostering life and facing challenges in crop cultivation.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Individuals who plant and nurture seeds in the soil, contributing to the growth of various plants.[3] (2) An individual engaged in agriculture, responsible for growing crops which may fail due to various conditions, impacting their ability to provide for themselves.[4]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Referring to the Supreme Lord's role in nurturing and fostering the spiritual development of beings in the universe.[5]
The concept of Cultivator in local and regional sources
Cultivator signifies a farmer engaged in land management, collaborating with a shepherd within agricultural contexts to ensure effective livestock and land utilization, highlighting the interconnectedness of crop production and animal husbandry.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) A farmer who interacts with the shepherd in place settings related to land and livestock.[6]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Agricultural workers in villages who experience chronic under-employment and suffer from the impacts of bad seasons and outdated practices.[7]