Significance of Food and drink
Food and drink is a significant concept across various Eastern philosophies. In Buddhism, it encompasses offerings to the Buddha and sustenance linked to body respect. Hinduism recognizes it as essential for survival and part of Vedic rituals. Jainism emphasizes its strict adherence to purity for monks. Similar themes reflect in South Asia’s customs and Tibetan Buddhist practices where ritual offerings lead to spiritual well-being. Overall, food and drink serve as both physical sustenance and spiritual nourishment in these traditions.
Synonyms: Nourishment, Sustenance, Provisions, Beverages
In Dutch: Eten en drinken; In Finnish: Ruokaa ja juomaa; In Spanish: Comida y bebida
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 and drink'
In Buddhism, food and drink symbolize sustenance for both physical well-being and spiritual interconnectedness, highlighting generosity, community support, and the transient nature of existence while addressing the needs of all beings, including monks and the tormented.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Essential sustenance consumed to maintain the body and the worms within, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all beings.[1] (2) Refers to mouthfuls of food, which can be either coarse or subtle, and includes beverages like wines and plant liquors, as well as the food and drink of the gods such as nectar and ambrosia.[2] (3) Basic sustenance provided by the bodhisattva to alleviate hunger and thirst.[3] (4) Refers to the provisions provided to the crowd that gathered, ensuring their sustenance.[4] (5) Basic necessities provided by the bodhisattva to satisfy the immediate needs of beings.[5]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Delicious provisions offered by the Sirens to entice the merchants to stay.[6] (2) Provisions prepared for the Exalted One and his disciples to ensure they could travel in comfort.[7] (3) Essential sustenance provided by the family to those in need, including beggars and recluses.[8]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) Edible and drinkable substances used in rituals to create a pleasing environment for practitioners.[9] (2) Refers to ALI and ULI, representing the consumables in the context of offerings.[10] (3) Basic necessities that are either scarce or undeliverable to the tormented spirits, contributing to their ongoing suffering.[11] (4) Illustrates extensive concentration that is free from the disadvantages associated with samsara and nirvana.[12]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) Basic necessities that should be provided to the monks, ensured by the great merchant.[13]
From: The Catu-Bhanavara-Pali (critical study)
(1) A symbol of the hospitality and goodwill received by those who maintain genuine friendship, indicating community support.[14]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) Nourishment given to a monk that, if it leads to unintended death, raises concerns about the monks’ intentions but may not constitute an offence.[15]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Items offered in worship or respect to the body; however, they are ultimately futile as the body will return to the earth.[16] (2) Sustenance that lacks flavor and vitality in detrimental environments.[17]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Items provided as charity to the Buddha, including various types of nourishment and sustenance.[18]
Hindu concept of 'Food and drink'
Food and drink in Hinduism symbolize essential sustenance for life and social unity, governed by cultural purity rules and dietary laws, while serving as offerings in rituals and vital nourishment connecting individuals within spiritual and communal contexts.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Basic necessities that are mentioned in relation to the attributes bestowed upon women.[19] (2) The provisions supplied by Yudhishthira to those in his household, ensuring everyone is fed.[20] (3) Essential provisions for sustenance and well-being.[21] (4) Items consumed for sustenance; specific guidelines exist concerning their preparation and consumption for purity.[22] (5) Involves providing proper sustenance for the spirits of deceased ancestors.[23]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) A variety of culinary offerings enjoyed by the characters, reflecting the celebratory nature of their assembly and the abundance of resources.[24]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Items referenced as nourishment, indicating dietary laws and the conditions under which food becomes appropriate or corrupted.[25]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Requests made by Shanaishcara to be sustained and satisfied, revealing aspects of his character.[26]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Essentials for sustenance that are sought after as part of a prosperous life.[27] (2) Basic necessities for sustenance, referring to the essential items required for survival and well-being.[28]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The means through which the foetus is nourished, similar to offerings given to the sacrificial fire.[29]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Sources of nourishment for the foetus that come from the mother, highlighting the dependency and connection between them.[30]
From: Prashna Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The substances consumed that are processed by the body, providing energy and nourishment.[31]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) Items that appear in the world wished for by an individual.[32]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Basic sustenance items that serve a purpose in appeasing hunger and thirst in the waking experience but may appear differently in dreams.[33]
From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)
(1) Items traditionally regarded as medicines within Buddhist texts, especially those consumed before noon or in the afternoon/night.[34] (2) Guidelines laid down by the Buddha concerning acceptable types of food and drink for monks and nuns, including storage and cooking regulations during specific circumstances.[35] (3) Topics addressed in the Chapter on Medicine that outline rules regarding consumption and handling of food and drink for monastics.[36]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 1: Sutrasthana
(1) A critical theme in Ayurveda that discusses the essentiality of food for the origin, strength, and health of beings; highlights various types of food including solids, liquids, and their effects on the body.[37]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Basic provisions that are to be supplied to female outcasts, signifying the necessity of sustaining them without luxury.[38] (2) Items that are subject to rules of purity, impacted by contact with individuals of lower caste under the context provided.[39] (3) Items that can become defiled upon contact with unclean objects, necessitating a specific process of washing before consumption.[40] (4) Refers to the offerings made to bring people together, emphasizing the importance of sustenance in social and cultural gatherings.[41]
From: Malatimadhava (study)
(1) The substances consumed by living beings for sustenance and health.[42] (2) Various consumables during the period, including fruits and wine, reflecting the dietary habits of the society.[43]
From: Harshacharita (socio-cultural Study)
(1) The assortment of items consumed, including both solid foods and liquid beverages, during the time being described.[44]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) Physical offerings made during rituals as a form of respect and devotion.[45] (2) Items provided to attendees during a festival as offerings and sources of gratification.[46]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Elements which the term 'vaja-peya' encompasses, related to sustenance in the context of Vedic rituals.[47] (2) The text emphasizes the importance of food and drink as fundamental necessities for both year and man.[48]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The metaphor for the spiritual sustenance that self-realized souls partake in, symbolizing pure essence over mixed essences.[49]
From: Amarakoshodghatana of Kshirasvamin (study)
(1) An essential aspect of daily life encompassing various consumables mentioned in the context of societal practices.[50]
From: Hanuman Nataka (critical study)
(1) The consumables that are part of a society's cultural practices and lifestyle.[51]
Jain concept of 'Food and drink'
In Jainism, food and drink signify essential sustenance for monks and nuns, emphasizing purity, mindful consumption, and adherence to spiritual guidelines while also reflecting the compassionate hospitality shown by others in their community.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Refers to the substances consumed by monks and nuns, which can be pure and prescribed or contaminated based on their mindset and actions during consumption.[52] (2) The items consumed by monks and nuns which must adhere to specific guidelines and timings to comply with spiritual prohibitions.[53] (3) Refers to the sustenance consumed by monks, characterized by specific criteria of purity and preparation as described in the text.[54]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) Essential sustenance that a monk can enjoy, but should be consumed mindfully and without excess.[55]
From: Kalpa-sutra (Lives of the Jinas)
(1) Items that monks or nuns are restricted from collecting or accepting unless explicitly requested or previously arranged during the Pajjusan.[56]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) Basic sustenance that is often demanded from a monk by a woman in the context of domestic life.[57]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) What Nayasara offers the sadhus, demonstrating his hospitality and compassion.[58]
The concept of Food and drink in local and regional sources
Food and drink symbolize essential sustenance in various contexts: highlighting vulnerability, providing support for the needy, illustrating care from authority figures, and reflecting shared culinary traditions among communities in the middle country.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) Basic provisions provided by the King to the animals, highlighting his role as their caretaker.[59] (2) Basic necessities that the blind man struggles to obtain while waiting for his wife, emphasizing his vulnerability.[60]
From: The travels of Fa-Hian (400 A.D.)
(1) The culinary customs that are similar among the people of the middle country.[61]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) Basic sustenance provided in the house of mercy for those in need.[62]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A reference to the dietary habits of different characters in the Ramayana, highlighting both the prevalence of meat and wine among kings and the vegetarian practices of sages.[63]
The concept of Food and drink in scientific sources
Food and drink encompass items that significantly impact health, particularly dental health, due to their nutritional content. Understanding their effects can guide healthier consumption choices.
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) Items consumed that can have either beneficial or detrimental effects on health, especially concerning dental health based on their content.[64]