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Significance of Support

Support in various philosophical and religious contexts encompasses both physical and metaphorical meanings. In Jainism, it represents a form of backing; in Vaishnavism, it signifies a foundational force in the universe. Purana highlights camaraderie during conflict, while Vedanta emphasizes stability and foundational elements in relation to Brahman. Dharmashastra refers to structural support, and Theravada views it as the nourishing power of food. In historical Indian practices, support relates to bodily points for meditation, while science addresses emotional assistance for new mothers.1
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Synonyms: Assistance, Help, Aid, Encouragement, Promotion, Maintenance, Sustenance

In Dutch: Steun; In Finnish: Tukea; In Spanish: Apoyo; In German: ±«²Ô³Ù±ð°ù²õ³Ùü³Ù³ú³Ü²Ô²µ

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

Buddhist concept of 'Support'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, "Support" interprets as the nourishing power of food that fosters endurance and growth, allowing interconnected beings and elements to flourish and thrive harmoniously within their environment.

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

From: Patthanuddesa Dipani

(1) The power of food that enables related things to endure, develop, flourish, and thrive.[1]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Support'

Hinduism Books

Support in Hinduism symbolizes foundational aspects of life, encompassing the earth's role, stability in meditation, assistance during conflict, and Brahman as the underlying principle of existence, emphasizing stability and communal solidarity.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)

(1) The meaning of Ayatanavan, signifying the foundation or support that these four parts provide in comprehending Brahman.[2] (2) A metaphorical reference to the earth's role as a foundational aspect of life and existence.[3] (3) The foundational strength or assistance, which is acknowledged during the ritual through specific offerings.[4] (4) A term referring to the foot of Brahman, symbolizing stability and the ability to support others.[5]

From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika

(1) Refers to a foundational aspect in the meditation imagery provided by the metaphor of a bird, suggesting stability.[6] (2) Signifies Brahman as the underlying basis or foundational element for all phenomena in existence.[7]

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) Denotes a sustaining force or element that upholds and maintains the universe.[8] (2) Indicates the foundational or sustaining aspect provided by the speaker in relation to the universe.[9]

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 Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)

(1) The assistance offered by Bibishana to Lakshmana during the fight, showcasing camaraderie and solidarity amidst battle.[10]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) Structure or object required to hold items placed in the air, like the roof of a house.[11]

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.

Jain concept of 'Support'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, Support, or 'avashtambha,' signifies both physical and metaphorical backing, emphasizing the importance of stability and assistance in spiritual practice and ethical living within the religion's philosophical framework.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) Captured by 'avashtambha,' representing a form of physical or metaphorical backing.[12]

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 Support in local and regional sources

History Books

Support, or adhara, pertains to specific bodily locations critical for concentration and meditation in premodern Yoga. These supports are essential elements within the practice, referenced in various ancient texts to enhance focus and spiritual development.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) Supports, also called adhara, are bodily locations used in the practice of concentration and meditation, and various premodern Yoga texts contain references to sixteen of these.[13]