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Significance of Balya

Balya is a significant term in various philosophies and practices, denoting childhood or youth in Jainism, Vaishnavism, Ayurveda, and Vedanta. In Ayurveda, it specifically refers to the childhood stage lasting up to 16 years, and encompasses treatments that promote strength and vitality in individuals. It also describes herbs and medicines that enhance overall health, vitality, and recuperation, particularly in children. By emphasizing nourishing properties, Balya is essential in Ayurvedic therapy, promoting strength and resistance to illness.

Synonyms: Strength, Vigor, Power, Vitality

In Dutch: Balya; In German: Balya; In Finnish: Balya; In Spanish: Balya; In Malay: Balya

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

Hindu concept of 'Balya'

Hinduism Books

Balya in Hinduism signifies childhood, denoting a phase of innocence and growth, lasting up to 16 years. It emphasizes early education and developmental experiences that shape individuals during their formative years.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) The stage of childhood, characterized by the early educational experiences of humans.[1]

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 Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)

(1) Childhood or the state of being young, often associated with innocence and developmental phases in life.[2]

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 Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)

(1) The stage of childhood, lasting up to 16 years according to Caraka.[3]

Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

Jain concept of 'Balya'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, Balya, a neuter noun, symbolizes youth or childhood, representing the early stage of life and its inherent qualities within the context of spiritual growth and development.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) A neuter noun referring to child; signifies youth or childhood.[4]

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 Balya in local and regional sources

History Books

Balya signifies both childlike innocence in spirituality and represents childhood in age classification, as noted in regional sources and the Sushrutasamhita, highlighting its significance in both spiritual and developmental contexts.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) The state of childlike innocence and purity in spiritual context, emphasizing simplicity in spiritual practice.[5]

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) Balya is a term that refers to childhood and is one of the ten criteria for dividing age and is also used to indicate childhood in the Sushrutasamhita.[6]