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 4 - Concept of Ahara in Buddhism
29 (of 76)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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137
-The girl rode in a palanquin to S膩vatthi, where she took up her
residence in the street which the Elder used to frequent for alms.
Surrounding herself with servants of her own, and never allowing the
Elder to see his father's people about, she watched the moment when the
Elder entered the street and at once bestowed on him an alms of victual
and drink. And when she had bound him in the bonds of the craving of
taste, she got him eventually to seat himself in the house, till she knew
that her gifts of food as alms had put him in her power. Then she feigned
sickness and lay down in an inner chamber.
-In the due course of his round for alms at the proper time, the Elder
came to the door of her house; and her people took the Elder's bowl and
made him sit down in the house.
-When he had seated himself, he said, "Where is the lay-sister?"
鈥淪he's ill, sir; she would be glad to see you.鈥�
-Bound as he was by the bonds of the craving of taste, he broke his
vow and obligation, and went to where the woman was lying.
-Then she told him the reason of her coming, and so wrought on him
that, all because of his being hound by the bonds of the craving of taste, she
made him forsake the Brotherhood; when he was in her power, she put him
in the palanquin and came back with a large following to R膩jagaha again.
Again, if a person takes food with much nutritive essence, his body
will become good-looking. This person can attach to clinging for his body
and try to get kinds of cosmetic and various instruments to make this
body more beautiful. Thus, the mind is sunk and reborn in the Desire
Realm (k膩ma-loka,) this is one of perils of edible food.
