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 4 - Concept of Ahara in Buddhism
1 (of 76)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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Chapter Four CONCEPT OF 膧H膧RA IN BUDDHISM As discussed, most other religions have used 膩h膩ra as a special symbol of ceremony, ritual, taboo, or a certain metaphor, and some other rules and practices for dietary, kosher, or fasting days. The followers will be able to observe these rules whenever fasting and ritual days come. This means that the practice of laws or moderation in food and deeds is not regular; therefore, it is difficult to explore how we nourish ourselves with food and to understand that transformational mourishment is about feeding our entire being. Different from other religions in the world, Buddhism is neither only a philosophy, nor also a religion of mere belief, but a religion that involves practice, understanding, learning, a way of living, or useful application in real life. Hence, 膩h膩ra is not a pure symbol of any ritual or ceremony. Lord Buddha did not attach special importance to dietary or fasting laws; hence, He showed that liberation is not possible through extreme fasting, but equally to be avoided is attachment to the sensual 195 pleasure of eating. Because 膩h膩ra is a special thing (dhamma) that
must be understood, chant daily, "This single doctrine should be a
chanting in concord, not a wrangling, that thus this holy life may persist
and be long maintained. That may be for the welfare and happiness of
many folk, for compassion on the world, for the good, the welfare, the
195 Robert E. Buswell, Encyclopedia of Buddhism, vol. I, p. 228.
