Significance of Sustaining life
Sustaining life encompasses various interpretations across different philosophies. In Jainism, it emphasizes the necessity of nourishment even for those who renounce worldly ties, balancing spiritual needs with physical sustenance. The Purana highlights the struggle for survival amidst adversity, illustrated through the experiences of the hog family. Meanwhile, Dharmashastra defines sustaining life as maintaining existence through food consumption and acquiring minimal resources necessary for basic survival, ensuring that the obtained food meets only essential nutritional requirements.
Synonyms: Maintaining existence, Preserving life, Supporting life, Maintaining life, Prolonging life
In Finnish: Elämän ylläpitäminen; In Dutch: Het leven in stand houden
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Sustaining life'
In Hinduism, Sustaining life encompasses acquiring minimal resources for basic survival, using alms for nutritional needs, relying on natural food sources, persevering through challenges, and understanding the importance of food in maintaining existence.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Receiving just enough food from the village to maintain one's bodily health and existence, while not accumulating excess.[1] (2) The purpose of the food obtained through alms, which should only be enough to meet basic nutritional needs.[2]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) The act of maintaining one's existence through the consumption of natural food sources.[3]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) The necessity of acquiring just enough resources or food to maintain basic existence.[4]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) Refers to the means necessary to maintain one's existence, particularly through the consumption of food.[5]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The struggle to continue living, especially in the face of danger, as highlighted by the emotional dialogue of the hog family.[6]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The process by which the vital force maintains the existence and functioning of living entities.[7]
Jain concept of 'Sustaining life'
In Jainism, "Sustaining life" emphasizes the essential balance between spiritual renunciation and physical sustenance, acknowledging that even ascetics must nourish themselves despite their detachment from worldly desires.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The necessity of nourishment, even for those who have abandoned worldly attachments, highlighting the balance between spiritual renunciation and physical needs.[8]