Significance of Self-sufficiency
Self-sufficiency, in various philosophical and practical contexts, denotes the ability to maintain independence from external influences. In Buddhism, it emphasizes spiritual self-reliance and completeness, while the Purana highlights contentment and autonomy as essential for spiritual well-being. Ayurveda focuses on managing health independently, and Vedanta links self-sufficiency to security in oneself. In historical and social aspects, it refers to a nation's capability to produce necessary resources and Gandhi's vision of self-reliant communities. Ultimately, self-sufficiency signifies a state of autonomy crucial for personal and collective fulfillment.
Synonyms: Independence, Autonomy, Self-reliance, Self-sustenance, Self-contained, Self-sustaining, Self-dependence
In Dutch: Zelfredzaamheid; In Finnish: Omavaraisuus; In Spanish: Autosuficiencia; In German: Selbstversorgung; In Malay: Kecukupan diri; In Swedish: ³§Âáä±ô±¹´Úö°ù²õö°ùÂá²Ô¾±²Ô²µ; In French: Autosuffisance
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Self-sufficiency'
Self-sufficiency in Buddhism emphasizes independence and the validity of existence without reliance on external factors. It challenges the illusion of self-preservation, asserting that true self-sufficiency stems from innate qualities rather than external influences.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The principle that a thing must exist independently to have validity, suggesting that without self-sufficiency, validity cannot be brought about.[1] (2) The state of being independent and not reliant on external factors or influences.[2] (3) The quality of being independent and complete in itself, which is attributed to the essence of Substance.[3] (4) Self-sufficiency indicates that once pramanas have been born, their ability to produce effects does not depend on other causes.[4] (5) A state of being independent or not reliant on others, which can be disrupted if prompted by another being.[5]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) The illusion of being able to maintain or preserve oneself or one's circumstances, which is refuted in the teachings given.[6]
Hindu concept of 'Self-sufficiency'
Self-sufficiency in Hinduism emphasizes reliance on oneself for happiness and well-being, promoting independence from external validations and material possessions, ultimately fostering spiritual perfection and contentment necessary for achieving immortality and fulfillment.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A state in which a person feels complete without the need for external validation or material possessions.[7] (2) The ability to find fulfillment within oneself without reliance on external circumstances.[8] (3) The state of being content and autonomous, crucial for achieving spiritual perfection and well-being in both earthly and spiritual realms.[9]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The quality of relying on oneself for happiness, not dependent on external factors or desires.[10]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) A state where one feels independent and sufficient in oneself, often leading to ignorance.[11]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) The ability to be independent and secure in oneself, which is linked to attaining immortality.[12]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) The quality of being independent and self-contained, which conflicts with the idea of needing a purpose to act.[13]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) The ability of individuals or families to manage their health and prevent disease without outside assistance.[14]
The concept of Self-sufficiency in local and regional sources
Self-sufficiency encompasses Thoreau’s pursuit of personal fulfillment, beggars' independence, Gandhi’s vision of self-reliant communities, and a nation's capacity to meet its own agricultural needs without outside assistance, reflecting a holistic approach to independence.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The ability of a nation to meet its own basic needs, particularly in agriculture and food production.[15] (2) A characteristic of beggars as they believe they can provide for themselves without reliance on outside assistance.[16] (3) Thoreau's aim to create a satisfactory life for himself through his own labor and inner discipline, particularly during his time at Walden.[17] (4) Gandhi's ideal of communities being able to sustain themselves economically and socially without external support or dependence.[18] (5) The ability of a country to produce enough resources, particularly food, to meet its own needs without external reliance.[19]