Significance of Food
Synonyms: Nourishment, Sustenance, Fare, Provisions, Grub
In Dutch: Voedsel; In German: Essen; In Finnish: Ruoka; In Spanish: Alimento
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Food'
In Buddhism, food symbolizes both essential material qualities and spiritual sustenance, emphasizing the importance of supporting others on their journey towards enlightenment through the practice of the noble eightfold path.
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) A source that produces certain material qualities, specifically the pure octad and the un-decad.[1]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) Represents sustenance and support for all beings, signifying that the Bhikshu should act as an enabler for others to engage in the noble eightfold path.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Food'
In Hinduism, food symbolizes sustenance and the essence of existence, representing vital nourishment linked to spiritual and physical wellbeing, rituals, and the interconnectedness of all life forms with the divine source, Brahman.
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) In this context, it refers to both physical sustenance and the spiritual nourishment one receives through understanding Brahman.[3] (2) In this context, food symbolizes not just sustenance but the essence of existence as it relates to the elements and life forms that derive their being from Virat.[4] (3) An essential source of sustenance mentioned in the context of the daytime and the sun, which is vital for the dogs' wellbeing.[5] (4) The necessary substance that nourishes the vital breath.[6]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The final product created from Water, specifically referring to elements derived from Earth that nourish living beings.[7] (2) The Deity related to the Pratihara, emphasizing that all beings depend on food for sustenance and life.[8]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Represents sustenance or nourishment, which in this context, is personified and emphasized as something that can be consumed.[9] (2) The cause of the origination, maintenance, and destruction of the world; it is identified with Brahman.[10]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) Elements consumed; in a spiritual context, transformed from food to the eater, especially concerning the vital force.[11]
From: Prashna Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The food refers to that which nourishes and sustains, represented by the moon in the context.[12]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The item being requested for Sri Krsna and His companions, indicating their immediate need.[13] (2) Substance consumed for nourishment, which a hungry man desires.[14] (3) sustenance offered as part of the gifts, showing a consideration for the basic needs of the recipients.[15] (4) The offering that is to be placed in the sage's mouth, symbolizing nourishment and devotion from the gopis.[16]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The items that are offered, which in this case seem to be disappearing.[17] (2) The items that the Deities accused Vishvambhara and Nityananda of taking and consuming, indicating a violation of hospitality.[18]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) A vital aspect of nourishment in the sacrificial process, representing both sustenance and life force.[19] (2) Food is considered a vital substance that sustains life; it is associated with various metrics in the text.[20] (3) Symbolized as a means to drive away evil above the individual, important in sacrificial contexts.[21] (4) Food is characterized as having two kinds—immortal (staying above the navel) and mortal (below), emphasizing its transformative power in rituals.[22] (5) The item consumed by the breath, described as an assignment to the eater.[23]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) The substance being offered in sacrifice, symbolizing sustenance.[24]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) Nourishment or provisions meant for consumption, significant in the context of rituals.[25]
Jain concept of 'Food'
In Jainism, Food is interpreted as 'utccha,' emphasizing its role as sustenance or nourishment essential for maintaining life and health, reflecting the religion's focus on purity and mindfulness in dietary choices.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Described by 'utccha', identifying sustenance or nourishment.[27]
The concept of Food in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Food" relates to Gorakshanath's specific request for fried hot cakes essential for his journey and denotes nourishment that the woman cannot consume during the cake offerings, highlighting different contexts of sustenance.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The general term for nourishment that cannot be consumed by the woman on the day of the cake offerings.[28]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The sustenance Gorakshanath is demanding, specifically fried hot cakes, which he feels is essential to his journey.[29]
The concept of Food in scientific sources
The keyphrase "Food" encompasses any substance that offers nutritional support, including a variety of wild plants, highlighting its essential role in sustaining life and health.
From: Ancient Science of Life
(1) Any substance consumed to provide nutritional support for the body, inclusive of various wild plants.[30]