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 7 - Conclusion
4 (of 30)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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for mind which is eyes look at form, ear hears sound. If the six sense
organs do not touch with the six objects, the sense organs will be
degenerated. But if the sense organs are in touch with the objects that
bring the unpleasant and uncomfortable feelings, the sense organs will be
seriously injured and ruined, and the objects which to develop
mindfulness and concentration are not cognized lucidly they will disturb
heart and mind. Hence, one should nourish the sense organs in touch with
the preferential nature, the song of birds, blow of wind, kinds of flavor,
flowers, all of these will not disturb one's mind, and it is easy to practise
concentration, to develop wisdom, and to contemplate what the true
nature of existence is. Thus, the objects (the external world) play a role in
support of the sense organs to cognize and distinguish rightly so that one
can grasp what the truth of the external world or environment is - that is
an important part of the sense organs nourishment, and the sense organs
are not entities that separate from the external world. However, in the
process of cognition, instead of cognition on visible objects and sounds is
impermanent and what is unstable it is painful, what is painful it is not
mine and not my self, conversely while touching, one craves for the
gratification of visible objects, does not know their peril and way leading
to free from them.
502 What is the gratification of visible objects, their peril and way of the
escapes from them? When one looks at any nice visible object - suppose
the beauty of a young girl belonging to the noble class, she is neither tall
nor short, neither dark nor fair, neither thin nor fat, he feels pleased with
her due to her beauty and loveliness, immediately the pleasure and joy
that arise in him in dependence on that beauty and loveliness are the
502 Ibid.
