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
31 (of 38)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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can be planted - seeds of suffering, sorrow, and anger, and seeds of
happiness and hope. When these seeds sprout, they manifest in our
consciousness, and when they do, they become stronger. The Buddha
describes this meaning as follows:
"There are five sorts of seed. Root-seed, trunk-seed, seed from
shoots, seed from joints, grain-seed. Suppose, these five seeds are
unbroken, not rotten, unspoiled by wind and heat, capable of
sprouting, and happily planted, but there is no soil and no water, or
not happily planted but there are soil and water, these five sorts of
seed cannot grow and increase. But if these five seeds are unbroken,
not rotten, unspoiled by wind and heat, capable of sprouting, and
happily planted, there are soil and water, these five sorts of seed
come to growth, increase, and abundance. As the earth-element, so
should the four stations of consciousness be considered. As the
water-element, so should the lure of lust be considered. As the five
sorts of seed, so should consciousness and its food be considered. "488
The teaching shows that the earth-element that is understood as
body, feeling, perception, and activities of the five aggregates is the four
stations of consciousness; the water-element is understood as the lure of
attachment, and the five sorts of seed are understood as consciousness
and its food (cause.) If one has the lure of attachment to the four stations,
consciousness has a standing and anguish. This issue continues to be
taught by Lord Buddha that:
"By attachment to body, consciousness if it got a standing, would
stand. With body for its object and platform, seeking a means of
enjoyment, it would come by growth, increase, abundance. By
attachment to feeling, to perception, and to the activities ... these
488 S. III, 54, B墨ja Sutta.
