Essay name: Ahara as depicted in the Pancanikaya
Author:
Le Chanh
Affiliation: Savitribai Phule Pune University / Department of Sanskrit and Prakrit Languages
This critical study of Ahara (鈥渇ood鈥�) explores its significance in Buddhism, encompassing both physical and mental nourishment. The Panca Nikaya, part of the Sutta Pitaka, highlights how all human problems, including suffering and happiness, are connected to Ahara. Understanding this concept is crucial for comprehending and alleviating suffering, aiming for a balanced, enlightened life.
Chapter 1 - Introduction
37 (of 38)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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37
that of the Five Aggregates and of the Twelve Links, of suffering. It has
arrived at a serious survey finding that the eater not only has consumed
food, but also food has consumed him; they have constantly consumed
each other. This chapter is to point out the problems of happiness and
sufferings of a human being because of the craving for the four types of
food.
Chapter V: Buddhist view on man and his 膩h膩ras
This chapter concentrates on examining the so-called man in Indian
thought before the advent of Lord Buddha. The so-called man in
Buddhism found in different forms that are always nourished and
sustained by four types of 膩h膩ra has been introduced in this chapter. This
chapter has made an attempt at demonstrating that 鈥榤an is catt膩ra 膩h膩r膩.)
脛h膩ra and the problems of hunger, health, disease, and beauty have been
discussed in this chapter. Especially, this chapter has emphasized that
environment is the main source of food supply for both the body and the
mind. Therefore, man must protect the environment as he does for him.
Chapter VI: Cultivation of four kinds of 脛h膩ra
The study of the Buddha's teaching is to refer to the purpose of
elimination of pain of the body and the mind, of achievement of true
happiness in this life. Therefore, the spirit of the practical applications is
always encouraged by Lord Buddha. In order to refresh personality
effectively, this chapter has given the useful methods and instructions
about the cultivation of the four foods to the public. This chapter has
asserted that human dignity is quite dependent on the way of eating,
sleeping, walking, standing, lying, thinking, touching, and acting; all
these ways contain the meaning of food in Buddhism.
