Significance of Feeding

According to Dharmashastra, feeding is described as the act of providing food as a compensation or support system, particularly aimed at manual laborers engaged in work for the king. This concept emphasizes the importance of nourishing those who contribute through their labor, highlighting a societal obligation to care for individuals who provide essential services. The practice reflects a broader understanding of sustaining and valuing the efforts of laborers within the community.

Synonyms: Nourishing, Serving

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

Hindu concept of 'Feeding'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Feeding signifies the provision of food as compensation and support, particularly aimed at manual laborers serving the king, highlighting the importance of nourishment within the social duty framework.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) A ritual practice during which the Brahmanas consume the offerings, which influences when the balls may be disposed of.[1] (2) Refers to the provision of food as a form of compensation or support for those who undertake labor, especially for manual laborers who work for the king.[2]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

(1) Feeding is a parameter assessed in the Barthel index, which evaluates the patient's ability to eat and drink independently or with assistance during the treatment.[3]

Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

The concept of Feeding in scientific sources

Science Books

Feeding encompasses the crucial act of providing nourishment. For children, it's central to growth, with practices and recommendations analyzed. It includes infant nutrition via breastfeeding or formula, and also describes the 'catch and throw' method of transporting food in Palaeognaths.

Significance in Health Sciences:
Health Sciences Books

From: South African Family Practice

(1) This is the process of providing infants with nutrition, whether through breastfeeding or formula, and it is essential for their growth and development, and is a critical aspect of infant care.[4]

From: Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research

(1) Palaeognaths transport food from their bill tips to the oesophageal entrance via the cranioinertial feeding method, also described as the ‘catch and throw’ method.[5]

From: African Journal of Primary Health Care and Family Medicine

(1) This is the process of providing food to a child, which is the main subject of the study and the focus of the analysis of various practices and recommendations.[6]

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