Significance of Boiled rice
Boiled rice holds significant cultural and ritualistic importance across various traditions. In Hinduism, it symbolizes nourishment and is often prepared as an offering in rituals. Jainism refers to boiled rice as a staple obtained through alms. In Ayurveda, it is considered beneficial for patients and is included in dietary recommendations for various ailments. Additionally, Theravada Buddhism regards boiled rice as a humble offering for monks. Collectively, these references highlight boiled rice as a vital food item within spiritual and health contexts.
Synonyms: Cooked rice, White rice, Plain rice
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Boiled rice'
Boiled rice in Buddhism symbolizes humility and equitable sharing among Bhikkhus. It's a staple food central to monastic meals, reflecting dietary practices and communal gatherings, thereby fostering mindfulness and proper eating conduct.
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) A staple food item referred to in the context of the monks’ dietary restrictions. It is the type of food that is discussed in relation to proper eating practices.[1] (2) A type of food that Belatthasisa conveyed to the monastery and consumed after drying and moistening.[2]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A common food staple that is typically served with other dishes.[3]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) A common food item prepared during the gathering at the kappiya-bhumi.[4]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) A staple food served to the Bhikkhus during meals that should be distributed equitably before eating.[5]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A simple food item used in the context of offering, representing humility in the act of giving.[6]
Hindu concept of 'Boiled rice'
Boiled rice in Hinduism is seen as a beneficial, easily digestible food integral to dietary practices, especially for patients undergoing treatment, serving both nutritional and ritual purposes, enhancing medicinal efficacy and symbolizing nourishment.
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) Another dietary recommendation that accompanies curd in the treatment process.[7] (2) Another dietary recommendation for those using the medicine.[8] (3) A specific food that is beneficial for those who drink water at dawn, as outlined in the text.[9] (4) Part of the recommended diet for patients, suggested to be mixed with sugar and curd.[10] (5) A food prescribed for the patient to consume, mixed with curd.[11]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) A cooked food item offered to the Brahmanas as part of the ritualistic offerings.[12] (2) A food item included in the basket of leaves for offerings during rituals.[13] (3) A type of food prepared for the ritual offering, which is mixed with clarified butter before being sacrificed.[14]
From: Apastamba Grihya-sutra
(1) An essential offering used in the sacrifices, prepared from the Sthalipaka for the gods.[15] (2) A common form of food offered in rituals, often paired with sacrificial meat.[16] (3) A staple food item included in the mixture prepared for the child to consume during a specific ceremony.[17]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The food item that is offered alongside two specific verses during a sacrifice.[18] (2) A type of food mentioned as a possible offering in the ritual, specifically prepared with Mudga beans.[19]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A type of food included in the offerings made during the ceremony.[20] (2) A common offering during rituals, symbolizing sustenance.[21]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) Food prepared using rice and set as an offering during the rituals.[22]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) A type of food used in the ritual context, which is to be seen by a pregnant woman during specific ceremonies.[23]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) A food item offered in a ritual context, partaken with specified invocations for blessings.[24]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) A food offering used in sacrificial rites.[25]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Simple food that symbolizes basic sustenance and survival in contrast to the elaborate offerings.[26] (2) The sacred food that bears significance in the narrative, leading to the transformation of the boy.[27] (3) A type of food that is exceptionally rare in the holy place Purushottama, even among deities.[28] (4) A type of food prepared with rice that was compared to lotuses in beauty and taste.[29]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Food item that can be made pure by being smelled by a cow or subject to specific conditions.[30]
From: Nilamata Purana
(1) A staple food item offered in rituals, symbolizing purity and sustenance.[31]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Another food item referenced in connection with the Vahikas, evidencing their unsanctioned dietary preference.[32]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 4: Cikitsasthana
(1) A dietary recommendation for patients with Vata-Rakta; simple and easy to digest.[33]
From: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 6: Uttara-tantra
(1) Rice that has been cooked and prepared with fish, used as an offering during the worship to the goddess Putana.[34]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 1: Sutrasthana
(1) Considered a useful and benign food for most people in the Ayurvedic context.[35]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Rice that is prepared and offered, symbolizing nourishment and sustenance in the ritual.[36]
Jain concept of 'Boiled rice'
In Jainism, boiled rice signifies a staple food associated with Goshala's alms collection, symbolizing essential nourishment. It reflects the dietary practices of the community and their emphasis on sustaining life through humble means.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A staple food that was mentioned in the context of what Goshala would obtain for alms.[37]
The concept of Boiled rice in local and regional sources
Boiled rice is a cooked grain pivotal to the narrative, as it represents a significant element in the story’s conflict involving the bonga, underscoring themes of loss and cultural importance.
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) A type of cooked grain that the bonga stole, significant in the story.[38]