Significance of Self-sufficient

The keyphrase "Self-sufficient" encompasses a range of interpretations across various philosophies and traditions. In Jainism, it denotes reliance on oneself without external support. Tibetan Buddhism views it as independence from validation, emphasizing the inherent qualities of the Veda. In Vyakarana, it refers to autonomous sentences, while Vedanta highlights self-reliance through the concept of bhuma. Various schools, like Dharmashastra and Vaisheshika, explore self-sufficiency as a characteristic of both entities and individuals, stressing the importance of independence in existence and function.1
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Synonyms: Independent, Self-reliant, Self-supporting, Autonomous, Self-contained, Self-sustaining

In Dutch: Zelfvoorzienend; In Finnish: Omavarainen; In Spanish: Autosuficiente; In German: Selbstversorgend; In Swedish: Självförsörjande; In Malay: Berdikari

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

Buddhist concept of 'Self-sufficient'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, "self-sufficient" signifies independence from external influences, meaning entities, beliefs, or cognitions can exist or function autonomously, possessing inherent validity and completeness without requiring external support or validation.

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]

(1) Refers to the inherent quality of pramanas, indicating that their ability to bring about effects is independent and does not rely on external causes.[1] (2) Being able to stand alone or function independently without reliance on external assistance or validation.[2] (3) The quality of the Veda being independent and not relying on the actions of any individual or author.[3] (4) The assumption that certain ideas or beliefs can exist independently without external validation or support.[4] (5) The ability to operate independently without reliance on external factors or tools.[5]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Hindu concept of 'Self-sufficient'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "Self-sufficient" signifies independence, reflecting the autonomy of individuals and divine entities alike, who do not rely on external support, possessions, or validation, embodying inner completeness and eternal bliss.

Significance in Vaisheshika (school of philosophy):
Vaisheshika Books

From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali

(1) Describes a characteristic necessary for something to be eternal, indicating that it must not depend on anything else.[6] (2) The quality of being independent and not requiring external support to exist.[7] (3) A property of Inherence indicating that it exists independently and does not rely on other relationships for its existence.[8]

Vaisheshika refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. Vaisheshika deals with subjects such as logic, epistemology, philosophy and expounds concepts similar to Buddhism in nature

Significance in Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar):
Vyakarana Books

From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari

(1) The quality of being complete and autonomous, as exemplified by the One sentence.[9] (2) The quality of being independent and not relying on anything else to exist.[10] (3) Describes a sentence that is complete and can stand alone without reference to others.[11]

Vyakarana refers to Sanskrit grammar and represents one of the six additional sciences (vedanga) to be studied along with the Vedas. Vyakarana concerns itself with the rules of Sanskrit grammar and linguistic analysis in order to establish the correct context of words and sentences.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)

(1) A state of being where one does not rely on external possessions or entities for existence or support, as highlighted by the speaker.[12] (2) Refers to bhuma's ability to rest on its own power without needing external support.[13]

From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)

(1) The quality of the Self that implies it does not rely on other entities or concepts for its identity or existence.[14]

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).

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) A state of independence where one does not need external support, as described in relation to Lord Anantadeva.[15]

From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu

(1) Describes the Lord's ability to exist independently, capable of fulfilling His own needs without reliance on the goddess of fortune.[16]

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 Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) Referring to the bliss that does not depend on external factors for its existence.[17] (2) A state of being where one does not rely on external sources of light or validation, embodying an inner luminosity.[18]

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 Arthashastra (politics and welfare):
Arthashastra Books

From: Kautilya Arthashastra

(1) Individuals who are independent and not reliant on others for their needs.[19]

Arthashastra literature concerns itself with the teachings (shastra) of economic prosperity (artha) statecraft, politics and military tactics. The term arthashastra refers to both the name of these scientific teachings, as well as the name of a Sanskrit work included in such literature. This book was written (3rd century BCE) by by Kautilya, who flourished in the 4th century BCE.

Significance in Kama-shastra (the science of Love-making):
Kamashastra Books

From: Kamashastra Discourse (Life in Ancient India)

(1) Describes the status of courtesans after the end of Mauryan rule, indicating their financial independence and social involvement.[20]

Kamashastra deals with ancient Indian science of love-making, passion, emotions and other related topics dealing with the pleasures of the senses.

Jain concept of 'Self-sufficient'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, "Self-sufficient" denotes the ability to rely solely on oneself, emphasizing independence and self-reliance without depending on external support or companionship for one's needs or spiritual journey.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) Being able to rely on oneself without needing external support or companionship.[21]

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 Self-sufficient in local and regional sources

History Books

Self-sufficient denotes the ability to independently meet personal and communal needs, as illustrated by Dr. C. P. Ramaswami Aiyar and Dr. Rangachariar's self-reliance, emphasizing economic sustainability, agricultural independence, and the philosophical implications of isolation.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) The ability of an individual or community to fulfill its own needs without external assistance, particularly through agriculture and local industry.[22] (2) The ideal state for India regarding its industrial capabilities, which is suggested as a necessary goal for the national economy in the context of imperial interests.[23] (3) The condition where a community can sustain itself economically by using available resources efficiently.[24] (4) Describing Dr. C. P. Ramaswami Aiyar's ability to maintain his personal needs independently despite his busy schedule.[25] (5) The trait of aiming for independence and isolation, particularly seen in Eastern philosophies, which is deemed detrimental as only the whole can truly be self-sufficient.[26]