Significance of Procreation
Procreation in Hinduism encompasses various interpretations across its philosophies. It is viewed as the act of generating life, essential for the continuation of the race and fulfilling ancestral debts. In Ayurveda, it emphasizes enhancing beauty to facilitate offspring creation, while Vedanta highlights meditative practices that support the concept of life generation. Dharmashastra focuses on the male's role in the procreation process, asserting that the father's involvement is crucial. Overall, procreation is central to familial and societal responsibility in Hindu teachings.
Synonyms: Breeding, Childbirth, Propagation, Offspring production
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Procreation'
Procreation in Hinduism involves creating offspring, particularly through the male's role, fulfilling ancestral debts, and generating life, highlighted in meditative practices. It emphasizes the father's importance and the need for good progeny while celebrating women's beauty.
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The concept of generating life, which is included in the meditative practices associated with Sandhana.[1] (2) The process by which offspring are produced, essential for perpetuating the race and fulfilling debts to ancestors.[2] (3) The act of producing offspring, emphasized as essential in the context of creating good progeny.[3]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The act of creating offspring, specifically involving the male's role in impregnating.[4] (2) The act of begetting children, emphasized as an action where the father is the primary factor.[5]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The act of generating life, emphasized in the context of the seasonal bricks and their alignment with the elements of the universe.[6]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) The act of creating offspring, for which women were encouraged to wear garlands and ornaments to enhance their beauty.[7]