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 (“food�) 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
17 (of 38)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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17
Abhidhammapiṭka and other Commentaries. 19 The first is called food for
the body, either gross or subtle that is processed as end-product after
collecting from the environment and animal's flesh; the latter is called
food for the mind that are feelings, and wishes. produced from the
operation of the mind. These four nutriments are instrumental to the way
individuals experience their lives and the extent to which they are happy
or they suffer; they are prominent conditions for the individual life-
continuity, for the sustaining of beings and for the assistance of those
seeking birth.
It is clear that all dhammas that are taught by Lord Buddha are quite
related directly to the truth of life, the truth of suffering and the end of
suffering, and āhāra that is one of the dhammas, covers those values.
Such a concept of āhāra will be considered throughout the present study
entitled “A Critical Study of Āhāra and its importance as depicted in the
Pañca Nikaya" belongs to Pāli Literature of Theravāda Buddhist Sect.
1.4. Pāli Tipitaka literature
Pañca Nikaya is also called Suttapiṭaka belonging to the Tipitaka of
Theravāda tradition. It lies in the Pāli Tipitaka literature from the time of
Lord Buddha to the time of the King Asoka. Nowadays, many are
beginning to realize that Buddhism as represented in the Pāli Tipiṭaka
holds the key to solving all human sufferings. Indeed, in order to solve
the riddling problem of mental suffering, the Tipitaka introduces a system
of teachings for one can eventually attain the objective truth of nature and
completely eradicate the germ of mental distress, the mind being thus
released once and for all from suffering, becomes relieved and radiant.
19 Sangītisutta and Dasuttarasutta of Dighanikaya III, Sammadiṭṭhisutta and Mahātaṇhāsankhayasutta of
Majjhimanikāya I; Āhārasutta, Puttamaṃsūpamasutta of Samyuttanikāya II; Pathamamahāpaṃhāsutta of
Anguttaranikāya V, Paṭṭhāna of Abhidhammapiṭka, Abhidhammattha Sangaha of Acariya Anuruddha, and
Visuddhimagga of Buddhaghosa.
