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 6 - Cultivation of four kinds of Ahara
1 (of 38)
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Chapter Six CULTIVATION OF FOUR KINDS OF 脛H膧RA 436 The centre of the cultivation in Buddhism is the destruction of
defilements (kilesa) and suffering (dukkha.) Suffering or ill being can be
described in terms of violence, discimination, hate, jealousy, anger,
craving, and especially ignorance. Out of ignorance, one does many
things that make him and others suffer; ignorance is the root of
suffering 435 or of 膩h膩ras. Hence, in Samm膩di峁弓hisutta, Lord Buddha
taught the right view is to comprehend foods, their uprising and stopping,
and the course leading to the stopping of them; thus, one has rooted out
all addiction to attachment, shunning and the latent view 鈥業 am,' having
got rid of ignorance, having made knowledge arise, is here-now the end-
maker of anguish.
As already discussed in the part 鈥溎乭膩ra and the Four Noble Truths"
of the third chapter, four kinds of 膩h膩ra of life stand for the first truth of
suffering and the way leading to ending these foods or suffering is the
Noble Eightfold Path. Lord Buddha taught the four kinds of food are
called suffering because these foods are consumed with greed, hate,
violence, conflicts, evil thoughts, etc., without right view, right
mindfulness, and loving-kindness on these foods. Thus, the cultivation of
Dharma, Color, and Culture, ibid., p. 61.
435 436
M. I, 48.
