Significance of Plant life

Plant life, according to Jainism, includes beings from the botanical kingdom with unique characteristics regarding existence and bondage. It acknowledges the awareness of violence towards plants in the vows of its followers and describes life forms that grow and develop through seasons, capable of activities like inhaling and exhaling. Similarly, Vedanta reflects on plant life in terms of organisms deriving growth from moisture and the debated existence of souls within this category. Science also defines plant life by encompassing all organisms in the plant kingdom and their chemical processes.

Synonyms: Flora, Vegetation, Plant species, Plant kingdom

In Dutch: Plantenleven; In Finnish: Kasvien elämä; In Spanish: La vida vegetal; In German: Pflanzenwelt

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

Hindu concept of 'Plant life'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, plant life encompasses organisms reliant on moisture for growth and represents a potential state for souls descending into existence, though it remains uncertain if this state offers genuine fulfillment.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)

(1) The category of organisms that include those which derive their growth from moisture, highlighting their germination patterns.[1]

From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)

(1) The type of existence that souls may enter into when they descend, although it is debated whether this state provides true enjoyment.[2]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Jain concept of 'Plant life'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, plant life encompasses vegetation and trees, acknowledging their sentience and growth stages, while emphasizing their susceptibility to harm and the ethical responsibilities of followers. Plants represent a diverse category of living entities within ecological interconnectivity.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)

(1) The life forms of plants, which undergo growth and various stages of development throughout different seasons.[3] (2) Refers to beings that belong to the botanical kingdom and their specific characteristics in terms of bondage and existence.[4] (3) A category of living beings that includes various forms of vegetation, which can experience harm or benefit from human actions.[5] (4) Refers to the vegetation and trees, indicating that there is an awareness of violence towards living plants in the vows of a follower.[6] (5) Living entities that can perform activities of inhaling and exhaling similar to earth bodies, water bodies, fire bodies, and air bodies.[7]

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 Plant life in local and regional sources

History Books

Plant life encompasses the diverse organisms within the plant kingdom, emphasizing their aesthetic appeal and practical uses, which are significant in various ecological and human contexts.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) Refers to the living organisms in the plant kingdom, discussed in relation to their beauty and utility.[8]