Significance of Impure food
Impure food, as detailed in various philosophical texts, refers to food that is unacceptable for consumption based on contamination, preparation, or source. In Jainism, it includes food mixed with unclean items and unsuitable due to its handling. The Purana emphasizes food from defiled sources, while Dharmashastra highlights unpleasant characteristics and contamination with poison. Mahayana focuses on food that violates dietary rules for monks. Throughout Indian history, impure food is linked to weakened physical and spiritual conditions, emphasizing the importance of dietary purity.
Synonyms: Contaminated food, Unhealthy food, Unclean food, Polluted food
In Dutch: Onzuiver voedsel; In Finnish: Ep盲puhdasta ruokaa; In Spanish: Comida impura; In German: Unreine Nahrung; In Swedish: Oren mat; In Malay: Makanan yang tidak suci; In French: Nourriture impure
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Impure food'
In Buddhism, Impure food encompasses items that violate monks' dietary rules, are deemed unclean, or contradict ethical practices, ultimately impacting spiritual purity, as exemplified by Shariputra's experience with unsuitable food.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Food that is considered unclean or improper for consumption by someone adhering to strict spiritual or ethical guidelines.[1] (2) Food that does not meet the dietary rules set for monks. The Buddha pointed out this fault when he observed Shariputra eating such food.[2] (3) Food considered unclean or unsuitable, which can affect the purity of one's practice; in the text, it is specifically referred to in the context of Shariputra.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Impure food'
In Hinduism, Impure food encompasses items deemed unacceptable due to improper preparation, contamination by unclean sources, or negative spiritual implications, ultimately impacting both physical health and spiritual purity for practitioners.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Food that has been contaminated with poison, which shows signs of discoloration and altered properties upon examination.[4] (2) Food that is rejected by the Pitris and Gods, signifying that certain offerings are considered improper.[5] (3) Food deemed unacceptable for consumption due to its unpleasant characteristics, which may affect physical and spiritual purity.[6] (4) Food that is considered unclean or defiled, leading to a transformation or degradation of the eater.[7]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Food that is considered unclean due to the actions of people during a time of unrighteousness, affecting all of humanity.[8]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Items that are considered unclean or unsuitable for consumption, requiring guidelines for purification.[9]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Food considered unacceptable due to its preparation under inappropriate conditions or by certain individuals.[10]
Jain concept of 'Impure food'
In Jainism, Impure food is defined as food that is contaminated with unclean elements or deemed unacceptable based on its source and handling, which monks must strictly avoid according to their guidelines.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Food that is mixed or contaminated with other unclean items, which monks must avoid.[11]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) Food that is deemed unacceptable due to its source or how it was handled, as determined by the guidelines for mendicants.[12]
The concept of Impure food in local and regional sources
Impure food, as described in the text, refers to contaminated food that can weaken the body and distort perceptions. It is defined by its nature, origin from wicked individuals, or the presence of physical impurities.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The text discusses the effects of 'impure food', which can weaken the body's ability to receive, and cause distorted visions of things.[13] (2) This is food that is considered contaminated and can be derived from several sources, including the nature of the food itself, its origin from wicked persons, or physical contaminants such as dirt or hair.[14] (3) Food can be considered this based on three causes: its nature, its origin from wicked people, or the presence of physical impurities, according to the provided text.[15]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) These are the type of foods eaten by dogs and pigs in the Dud-jom Rinpoche鈥檚 version, creating an explicit opposition.[16]