Significance of Poor people
The concept of poor people varies across different philosophical and religious contexts. In Jainism, it refers to worn-out singers in difficult conditions, while in South Asian definitions, it encompasses those who contribute minimally to communal resources or rely on wealthier individuals for support. According to various texts, poor people are individuals lacking financial means, who are enabled through devotion and charity to improve their situations. They face challenges in performing rituals, often struggle for basic necessities, and experience social neglect.
Synonyms: Impoverished people, Destitute, Destitute people
In Dutch: Arme mensen
In Finnish: Köyhät ihmiset
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Poor people'
In Buddhism, poor people are viewed as individuals striving for sensual pleasure despite limitations, and as those without material resources who benefit from the compassion of the bodhisattva, highlighting the interplay of desire and spiritual support.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Those lacking material resources, who receive the benefactions of the bodhisattva.[1]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) Poor people are described as striving to seek sensual pleasure to the best of their ability, highlighting that their circumstances impede full satisfaction of desires.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Poor people'
In Hinduism, "poor people" encompasses individuals deprived of wealth, labor capabilities, or resources, often deemed deserving of chastisement. They may achieve prosperity through devotion and rituals, highlighting the interplay between poverty, charity, and spiritual growth.
From: Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) Those in need who are enabled to perform vratas through prescribed alternatives in the Matsyapurana.[3] (2) Individuals who might particularly benefit from observing the Gauritritiyavrata, enhancing their spiritual and material circumstances.[4]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Individuals lacking in material wealth, who can benefit from acts of charity and compassion.[5] (2) Individuals who can attain wealth through specific acts of worship and devotion.[6]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Individuals lacking the financial means to perform traditional rituals which require substantial resources in terms of goods for sacrifice.[7]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Individuals who do not have sufficient resources, such as clothes and food, often perceived as lacking in societal status.[8] (2) Individuals lacking assets who relied on the support of wealthy persons like Buddhimanta Khan and Mukunda Sanjaya for survival.[9] (3) Individuals who lack sufficient financial resources or wealth.[10] (4) The economically challenged individuals whose celebration of the festival is questioned by the local inhabitants.[11]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Individuals who were not robbed by the Pulinda highwaymen.[12]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) Individuals of lesser means who may share even the most basic assets, like mud vessels, among themselves.[13]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Persons who are incapable of doing labor and stand on the same footing as 'great sinners', deserving chastisement.[14]
From: Kavyamimamsa of Rajasekhara (Study)
(1) Those experiencing hardship during the seasonal transition of Shishir-kala.[15]
From: Amarakoshodghatana of Kshirasvamin (study)
(1) Individuals experiencing poverty, referred to by terms such as nihsvah and durvidha in Amarakosha.[16]
Jain concept of 'Poor people'
In Jainism, "poor people" can be interpreted as individuals, specifically worn-out singers, who endure hardship and suffering as highlighted by Triprishtha, reflecting their challenging circumstances in life.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A term used by Triprishtha to refer to the worn-out singers, emphasizing their difficult condition.[17]
The concept of Poor people in local and regional sources
The text portrays "poor people" as humble individuals, whose journeys are supported by external influences, often feeling neglected within a larger spiritual context, and who contribute modestly to communal welfare through small offerings.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The big son states that the moon is good for enabling poor people to go on journeys.[18]
From: The travels of Fa-Hian (400 A.D.)
(1) Individuals who present few flowers to the alms-bowl, contributing to its filling.[19]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Describes the humble devotees who feel abandoned and forgotten in the grander vision of divine adoration.[20]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A demographic that Gandhi identified with, and whose welfare he prioritized in his work and political efforts.[21]