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 3 - Ahara and specific teachings of the Buddha
10 (of 39)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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79
sloth and torpor (thinamiddha). Non-tranquillity of mind (cetaso
av奴pasama) is food for the arising of excitement and flurry (uddhacca-
kukkucca.) Things, which are based on doubt and wavering, are food for the
growth of perplexity (vicikicch膩.) 135 In other words, alluring features of
things ... and unsystematic attention or wrong thought are two conditions
(paccay) of foods for the arising and growth of the five hindrances.
However, if there is a systematic attention, the repulsive feature of things, a
heart released by goodwill, the element of putting forth effort, tranquility of
mind, things good and things bad will not be foods for the five hindrances.
As regards the seven elements of wisdom (bijjhanga) which lead to
enlightenment, it is said that the things which are based on these various
limbs, when systematically attended to (vonisomanasik膩rabahul墨k膩ra,) form
also the nutriment of these seven elements of insight-wisdom, viz., things
based on the limb of wisdom that is mindfulness. These things are called food
for the arising of mindfulness. Things good and bad, things blameworthy and
things not blameworthy, things mean and things exalted, things that are
constituent parts of darkness and light are foods for the arising of the limb of
wisdom which is Norm-investigation. The element of putting forth effort, the
element of exertion, the element of striving are food for the arising of energy.
Things based on the limb of wisdom that is zest are foods for the arising of
zest. Tranquility of body and there is tranquility of mind are food for the
arising of tranquility. Sights, calm, and bewilder not are food for the arising of
concentration. Things based on the limb of wisdom that is equanimity are
food for the arising of the limb of wisdom, is equanimity. In other words,
systematic attention is food for the limbs of wisdom.
136 Similarly, "energy and exertion are food for getting wealth. Finery
and adornment are food for beauty. Seasonable action is food for health.
135 S. V, 102.
136 Ibid. 103-104.
