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Significance of Meal-offering

Meal-offering in Buddhism is a religious act where devotees provide food to monks, emphasizing merit-making and piety, as demonstrated through Sopaka's actions. In the context of Purana, it signifies presenting food and water to ancestors as a symbol of gratitude and nourishment, particularly during Shraddha rituals. In Mahayana traditions, Meal-offering involves hosts presenting food to the Buddha or his disciples to show respect, illustrating its importance across different Buddhist practices and beliefs.

Synonyms: Grain offering, Cereal offering, Tribute, Oblation, Food offering

In Finnish: Ruokatarjous; In Spanish: Ofrenda de comida; In Dutch: Maaltijd offer

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

Buddhist concept of 'Meal-offering'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Meal-offering signifies the act of providing food to monks or the Buddha, reflecting piety and respect, and is vital for merit-making and religious practice among devotees, as exemplified by Sopaka鈥檚 actions.

Significance in Buddhism (general):

From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)

(1) The act of providing food, which Sopaka performed for the clergy of monks, demonstrating his piety.[1] (2) A religious act where devotees provide food to monks, observed as an integral part of Buddhist practice and merit-making.[2]

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)

(1) A customary practice where hosts offer food to the Buddha or his disciples as a sign of respect.[3]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Meal-offering'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Meal-offering represents food given during Shraddha rituals, serving both as nourishment for ancestors and Devas, and as a symbolic gesture of gratitude for their blessings and existence.

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

From: Vishnu Purana

(1) Food and water presented to the ancestors which serve as symbolic nourishment and expression of gratitude for their existence.[4]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India鈥檚 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.

Plural form: Meal offerings.