Significance of Meal
The term "Meal" holds diverse meanings across different traditions. In Vaishnavism, it signifies food consumed for the Lord's satisfaction. Dharmashastra views it as both an offering in rituals and an act of eating tied to social and spiritual norms. In Theravada, it represents a communal act shared between the Buddha and his followers, forming a crucial narrative element. Each perspective highlights the importance of meals within spiritual and ritualistic contexts.
Synonyms: Dish, Food, Banquet, Feast, Course, Serving, Dinner, Spread, Breakfast, Lunch, Supper
In Dutch: Maaltijd; In Finnish: Ateria; In Spanish: Comida
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Meal'
In Buddhism, "Meal" symbolizes the communal sharing of food among the Buddha and his followers, emphasizing collective experience and spiritual connection, which enriches their teachings and interactions.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The communal act of eating shared between the Buddha and his followers, serving as a backdrop for the story.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Meal'
In Hinduism, a Meal signifies not only the food consumed for divine satisfaction but also the ritualistic act of eating, which upholds spiritual and social norms, and serves as an offering within sacred practices.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Refers to the act of eating, associated with rituals that define social and spiritual norms.[2]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) Another type of offering, representing food that is included in the ritual alongside other offerings.[3]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The food being consumed, which holds significance as it is the source of the Lord's satisfaction.[4]
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) This refers to the act of eating and the overall dining experience, which is influenced by various astrological factors and planetary positions.[5]
The concept of Meal in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Meal" relates to a structured order of service during dining, highlighting a hierarchy that prioritizes individuals, beginning with a male figure and proceeding through animals, servants, and family members in a specific sequence.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) When this is prepared, a specific order of service is followed, starting with a man, then animals, servants, the man of the house, and lastly the woman of the household.[6]