Significance of Sour gruel
Sour gruel, as understood across various traditions, encompasses a range of definitions. In Buddhism, it represents a part of a royal meal for silent buddhas. Jainism identifies it as acceptable food for mendicants, while the Purana describes it as a ritual offering and an undesired food for the twice-born. Ayurveda defines it as a fermented barley dish used for medicinal purposes. Additionally, in Dharmashastra and Theravada, it is categorized as non-eatable or inferior food options. In Science, it's referred to as Kanji, utilized in Ayurvedic practices.
In Dutch: Zure pap; In Finnish: Hapan veli; In Spanish: Gachas agrias; In German: Saurer Brei; In Malay: Bubur asam; In Swedish: Syrlig välling; In French: Gruau aigre
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Sour gruel'
In Buddhism, "sour gruel" symbolizes substandard nourishment provided to specific monks, reflecting the varied quality of offerings from householders and kings. It highlights the spiritual challenges faced by practitioners in their paths.
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks� rules)
(1) An inferior food option that the householder ordered for the monks who were the followers of Mettiya and Bhummajaka.[1]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) An unpleasant or substandard food option provided to some monks.[2]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A type of food referenced in the story as being offered by both queen Mallika and the Bodhisatta.[3]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) A part of the meal provided by the king to the silent buddhas alongside porridge, representing the variety of food offered during the king's tests.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Sour gruel'
In Hinduism, Sour gruel can be interpreted as a fermented barley dish used medicinally, an undesirable food for the twice-born, a cleansing agent in rituals, an offering to the lord of unrighteousness, and generally non-edible if aged.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A specific type of food item that is classified as non-eatable due to its condition stemming from time, particularly if kept overnight.[5]
From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)
(1) A fermented dish created from barley, allowed for use in treating wind disease, which involves careful preparation to ensure safety and efficacy.[6]
Jain concept of 'Sour gruel'
In Jainism, sour gruel is seen as a permissible food for mendicants, highlighting its specific acceptance under certain conditions, illustrating the dietary guidelines followed by practitioners in their ascetic lifestyle.
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) A specific type of food or drink referred to as acceptable under certain conditions for the mendicants.[7]