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Significance of Maintenance

Maintenance, as defined in various texts, encompasses multiple forms of support. According to Arthashastra, it signifies financial aid for women awaiting their husbands. Puranic texts extend this to include support for heirs, without progeny, and the upkeep of the world. In Vedanta, it pertains to sustaining the physical universe. Dharmashastra details obligations to provide for non-inheriting heirs and those lacking resources. In Mahayana, Maintenance emphasizes upholding ethical precepts, while historical references highlight essential resources for individuals' sustenance.1
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Synonyms: Repair, Care, Support, Preservation, Management, Administration, Conservation

In Dutch: Onderhoud; In Finnish: Huolto; In Spanish: Mantenimiento; In German: Wartung

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

Buddhist concept of 'Maintenance'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Maintenance involves upholding precepts and engaging in practices that support spiritual development and ethical living, fostering harmony within oneself and the greater community. It emphasizes commitment to one's spiritual path.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)

(1) The act of upholding the precepts and cultivating practices that align with them.[1]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Maintenance'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Maintenance encompasses various forms of support, including financial aid for family members, obligations to heirs, and the broader concept of sustaining the universe, highlighting the importance of responsibility and care within societal and cosmic frameworks.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) The obligation to provide support and sustenance to heirs who do not inherit property.[2] (2) A form of support given to a brother, often in the form of a small allocation from the shared profits, while he is not actively managing the estate.[3] (3) Support entitled to those immersed in vice, which is only given if they neglect their duties and occupations.[4] (4) The state of being kept in a certain condition or the means of supporting one's livelihood.[5] (5) The support that must be provided, particularly by the legitimate son, to other heirs.[6]

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) Ongoing support, usually financial, necessary for a woman waiting on her husband's return.[7]

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 Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika

(1) The ongoing process of sustaining or keeping the physical universe in existence.[8]

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).

The concept of Maintenance in local and regional sources

History Books

Maintenance is essential for Bodhla and Mamatai as it encompasses the continuous requirement for food and resources vital for their sustenance, ensuring their survival and well-being through consistent care and provision.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints

(1) The ongoing need for food and resources necessary for Bodhla and Mamatai's sustenance.[9]