Significance of Destitute

The keyphrase "destitute" is explored across several perspectives in religious and historical contexts. In Jainism, the destitute are depicted as isolated, lacking relationships, while in Vaishnavism, the term refers to those without essential life necessities, often seeking divine assistance. Purana literature describes the destitute as extremely poor, especially noted during Rama's reign. Additionally, Indian history highlights the destitute as a demographic the mission targets, which includes not only the poor but also illiterate peasants and laborers.

Synonyms: Impoverished, Needy, Penniless, Poor, Indigent, Lacking, Deprived, Unfortunate, Bankrupt

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

Buddhist concept of 'Destitute'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, "destitute" signifies lacking positive qualities and specific positive emotional states, not merely material poverty. It describes a deficiency in inner well-being.

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

From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara

(1) A state of being poor in the sense of lacking a specific positive emotional state and the reasons for it. It describes a lack of positive qualities.[1]

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.

Hindu concept of 'Destitute'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "destitute" describes individuals lacking basic life necessities, often seeking divine assistance, reflecting extreme poverty and absence of resources, particularly underscored during Rama's reign and emphasizing material deprivation.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation

(1) Describes individuals who lack the basic necessities of life, often turning to God for help.[2]

From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu

(1) Refers to individuals who are lacking the basic necessities of life, particularly in terms of material wealth.[3]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

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

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)

(1) Describes individuals who are extremely poor or lacking basic resources, which were absent during Rama's reign.[4]

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.

Jain concept of 'Destitute'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, "destitute" signifies a state of isolation and lack of connection, illustrated by the analogy of insects avoiding the non-flowering Kantharla plant, symbolizing the absence of relationships or community ties.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Naladiyar

(1) Thus the destitute have no relations, as the swarms of red-spotted winged insects will not even approach near the Kantharla plant when it is out of flower.[5]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

The concept of Destitute in local and regional sources

History Books

The keyphrase "Destitute" relates to a vulnerable group targeted by the mission, encompassing individuals who are poor, illiterate, and part of the laboring classes, highlighting their needs and challenges within society.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) This is a group of people that the mission is focused on, along with the poor, illiterate peasantry, and labouring classes.[6]

From: Triveni Journal

(1) The needs of the destitute call for massive and sustained charity from both the Government and social organisations to improve their life.[7]