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Significance of Sustenance

Sustenance, according to Vaishnavism, encompasses the spiritual support a devotee gains from the divine, as well as the physical nourishment from nature. In broader contexts, such as the Purana, sustenance signifies the maintenance of the universe, essential for survival, and includes the dietary practices of Brahmanas. Additionally, it highlights the need for support in life, both spiritually and materially, through various means such as offerings to deities and divine nourishment.

Synonyms: Nourishment, Food, Provisions, Subsistence, Support, Maintenance, Nutrition

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

Hindu concept of 'Sustenance'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Sustenance embodies the maintenance of the universe by the Supreme Spirit, vital nourishment for life, spiritual support for devotees, and nature's provisions, emphasizing interdependence and the divine connection essential for existence.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) Basic necessities for survival, particularly food, which underscores dependence and potential despair.[1] (2) Necessary sources of nourishment or support that enable one to live and thrive.[2] (3) The means of sustaining life, which in this case involves the strict dietary practices of the learned Brahmana.[3]

From: Vishnu Purana

(1) What Indra sought from Vrihaspati, implying his need for nourishment or support.[4]

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 Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) The means necessary to maintain life and wellness.[5]

From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation

(1) Refers to the spiritual support that the Alvar finds in the Lord, highlighting an intrinsic bond between the devotee and the divine.[6]

From: Prem Sagar (English translation)

(1) The nourishment and support provided by nature and the hill Govardhana as opposed to Indra's perceived lack of power.[7]

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) Support or nourishment provided to deities through offerings in rituals.[8]

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.