Significance of Scarcity of food
Scarcity of food is defined as a significant shortage or insufficiency of food available for consumption, impacting various situations across different contexts. In South Asia, it highlights the initial struggles of individuals before encountering the King. In Purana, it refers to the difficulties experienced by Suchi during her ascetic practices. The Theravada perspective describes a scenario in Rajagaha, where inadequate food supply created challenges for the Samgha, necessitating new allowances from the Blessed One.
Synonyms: Food shortage, Food scarcity, Hunger, Famine, Lack of food, Insufficiency
In Dutch: Gebrek aan voedsel; In Finnish: Ruoan niukkuus; In Spanish: Escasez de alimentos; In German: Nahrungsmittelknappheit
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Scarcity of food'
In Buddhism, the scarcity of food signifies challenges in Rajagaha that affected food availability for the Samgha, leading to new allowances from the Blessed One to address the insufficiency of the food supply.
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) A situation in Rajagaha that led to challenges in obtaining food, prompting new allowances from the Blessed One.[1]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) A situation in Rajagaha where the food supply was insufficient for the Samgha.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Scarcity of food'
In Hinduism, the scarcity of food symbolizes the challenges endured by practitioners like Suchi during ascetic practices, reflecting the spiritual journey's trials and the pursuit of divine connection despite physical hardships.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Describes the hardships faced by Suchi during her ascetic practices in the forest.[3]
The concept of Scarcity of food in local and regional sources
Scarcity of food denotes insufficient food availability for consumption, highlighting a severe shortage experienced by individuals before encountering the King, emphasizing the critical impact of food shortages on survival and well-being.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) A dire situation faced by the King and his family, leading the King to consider beheading his own son.[4] (2) A severe shortage of food that the two persons initially faced before meeting the King.[5] (3) A situation in which there is insufficient food available for consumption.[6]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A critical issue highlighted in Damajipant's letter, which leads to his selling of grain for the king's advantage.[7]