Significance of Bean
Bean is a multifaceted term across various contexts in South Asia. It describes a principal grain in the region and encompasses leguminous plants like Kulatthaka and Masha. In Ayurveda, beans are recommended for liver health, while Vedanta views them as part of the natural cycle post-rain. Additionally, in Dharmashastra, beans serve as a unit of measurement, while Rasashastra highlights them as a notable food item. Lastly, Theravada acknowledges beans as provisions for travel and aid for the needy.
Synonyms: Legume, Pulse, Seed, Grain, Soy, Chickpea, Lentil, Kernel
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Bean'
In Buddhism, Bean symbolizes nourishment and sustenance, serving as a travel provision and a means to aid others in need, reflecting the teachings of compassion and generosity advocated by the Lord.
From: Vinaya Pitaka (2): Bhikkhuni-vibhanga (the analysis of Nun’ rules)
(1) Beans are specified as an example of raw grain, which nuns are prohibited from asking for, roasting, pounding, cooking, or eating.[1]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) This is a specific type of food, among others, which is considered a provision for travel and can be given to those in need, as stated by the Lord.[2]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) Beans are a food item that the Blessed One eventually allowed the Bhikkhus to eat as much as they liked, despite initial concerns.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Bean'
In Hinduism, "Bean" signifies a beneficial vegetable for liver health, a food item in rituals, a unit for measuring value, a leguminous plant such as Kulatthaka and Masha, and a natural growth occurring post-rain.
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 5: Treatment of various afflictions
(1) This is a specific type of food item mentioned within the text, suggesting it is a part of the substances or practices that are being listed.[4]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The text mentions beans as something that grows on earth after the rain, together with other plants and trees, forming a part of the cycle of nature.[5]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) This refers to a vegetable that is included in the list of recommended food items, and it is considered beneficial for liver health, as per the text.[6]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A unit of measurement that consists of five gunja-berries, contributing to the creation of a gold-piece.[7]
The concept of Bean in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Bean" relates to the text as it identifies the bean as a significant agricultural product in the region, highlighting its importance as a principal grain cultivated locally.
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) One of the principal grains produced in the area.[8]
The concept of Bean in scientific sources
Bean, according to regional sources, is a plant possessing autotoxicity and allelochemicals. These properties can negatively impact soil conditions and potentially hinder the growth of other plants.
From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)
(1) A crop that, together with maize, forms the foundation of most rural Oaxacan diets and households selling this managed more varietal richness, especially when selling less than they consumed.[9] (2) This plant has autotoxicity and allelochemicals that can affect the soil.[10]
Classical concept of 'Bean'
From: Aesop's Fables (English translation)
(1) Beans are among the foods the Town Mouse provides, indicating the diverse selection of provisions available in the town compared to the country.[11]
From: The History of Herodotus
(1) A pulse that the Egyptians do not at all sow in their land, and those which grow they neither eat raw nor boil for food; nay the priests do not endure even to look upon them.[12]