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Significance of Hunger

Hunger is understood in various contexts across different beliefs. In Jainism, it represents a monk's challenge involving craving and self-restraint and is considered one of the eleven afflictions. In South Asian narratives, it highlights desperation, while in Vaishnavism, it describes a physical need intertwined with emotional issues. Dharmashastra views Hunger as a natural signal for food, and in Theravada, it symbolizes a longing for enlightenment. Overall, Hunger reflects both a physical sensation and a deeper emotional or spiritual craving.1
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Synonyms: Starvation, Appetite, Craving, Voracity, Famine, Emptiness, Longing, Desire, Yearning

In German: Hunger; In Swedish: Hunger; In Dutch: Honger; In Finnish: ±·Ã¤±ô°ìä; In Spanish: Hambre; In Malay: Kelaparan

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

Buddhist concept of 'Hunger'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Hunger symbolizes a profound yearning for enlightenment, representing the intense desire for mindfulness that mirrors a famished individual's craving for nourishment, highlighting the significance of spiritual fulfillment.

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

From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)

(1) Symbolizes a deep longing for enlightenment, used to illustrate a meditator's intense desire for mindfulness akin to a famished person's craving for food.[1]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Hunger'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, hunger (kshudha) represents a physical necessity often influenced by emotional struggles (Hridaya-daurbalya). It is a natural signal for food, acknowledged by Gopa-kumara, but not always acted upon.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Bhajana-Rahasya

(1) Defined as kshudha, it is a physical need that may be exacerbated by emotional issues linked to Hridaya-daurbalya.[2]

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) A physical sensation experienced by Gopa-kumara, yet it did not compel him to go to the brahmana's home.[3]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu�).

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) The natural physical sensation signaling the need for food, which the alms aim to satisfy.[4]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Jain concept of 'Hunger'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, Hunger is interpreted as a challenge for monks, representing the physical craving for food that requires self-restraint, and is identified as one of the eleven afflictions signaling the body's need for sustenance.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)

(1) One of the eleven afflictions, representing the bodily sensation of needing food.[5]

From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra

(1) One of the troubles a monk faces, which involves a physical craving for food that must be managed with self-restraint.[6]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance�) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

The concept of Hunger in local and regional sources

History Books

The keyphrase "Hunger" encompasses a physical need for sustenance, the emotional desperation of individuals like the blind man awaiting nourishment, and the discomfort arising from food scarcity, illustrating its profound impact on human experience.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints

(1) A physical need expressed by Dattatreya, prompting the invitation for a meal.[7]

From: Triveni Journal

(1) The physical sensation of not having enough food, leading to discomfort and suffering.[8]

Significance in South Asia:
South Asia Books

From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3

(1) The state experienced by the blind man as he waited for his wife to return, emphasizing his desperation.[9]