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
71 (of 76)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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consciousness, both really are not entities having a fixed nature, but relate
closely to each other: In consciousness (or Cognition) exist the other
eleven elements; also in Name - and - Form exist the other eleven ones.
Both come from Ignorance and both lead to suffering.
In brief, looking back to the Buddha's similes for the four nutriments,
we are struck by the fact that all four evoke pictures of extreme suffering
and peril. They depict quite unusual situations of greatest agony.
Considering the fact that the daily process of nutrition, physical and
mental, is such a very humdrum function in life, those extraordinary
similes are very surprising and even deeply disturbing. And they obviously
were meant to be disquieting. They are meant to break through the
unthinking complacency in which these so common functions of life are
performed and viewed: eating, perceiving, willing, and cognizing.
The contemplations on the four nutriments, as presented in these
pages, cut at the very roots of the attachment to life. To pursue these
contemplations radically and methodically will be a grave step, advisable
only for those who are determined to strive for the final cessation of
craving and, therefore, are willing to face all consequences, which that path
of practice may bring for the direction of their present life and thought.
But apart from such full commitment, also a less radical pursuit but
serious and repeated thought given to this teaching of the four nutriments
will be beneficial to any earnest follower of the Buddha. To those who
feel it premature for them to aim straight at the cessation of craving, the
Dhamma has enough teachings that will soothe the wounds received in
the battle of life, and will encourage and help a steady progress on the
Path. Though gentle guidance will often be welcome amidst the harshness
of life, yet when there is only such gentleness and when, for a while, the
winds of fate blow softly and pleasantly, there will be the peril that man
