Significance of Food offerings
Food-offering encompasses a variety of ceremonial practices in multiple religious traditions, primarily in Buddhism and Hinduism. In Buddhism, it includes acts of respect by giving food to monks and presenting offerings to the Buddha. Hinduism involves sacrificial presentations to deities, often prepared with specific rituals that require proper intention. In South Asia, food-offering can be a means of assisting others, as seen in cultural practices. Across different traditions, the act signifies devotion, hospitality, and a way to honor both the divine and the community.
Synonyms: Offering, Sacrifice, Donation, Gift, Present, Oblation, Tribute
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 offerings'
Food-offering in Buddhism represents a ceremonial act of generosity, showcasing respect towards monks and spiritual teachers. It underscores hospitality, gratitude, and compassion within the community, exemplified by various historical instances involving key figures and contributions.
From: The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) An act performed by Citta, the householder, to provide food to the Sangha in his residence.[1] (2) The meal invitation extended by Ambapali to the Buddha and his company of bhikkhus.[2] (3) The meal prepared by Cunda that the Buddha accepted and shared with the bhikkhus.[3] (4) The meal provided by Citta to the bhikkhu-elders after the discussion regarding the Elements.[4] (5) Contributions made to the Buddha, which are discussed in terms of their merit and spiritual significance.[5]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) The sustenance provided by the laity to the Bhikkhus, which they are expected to consume for their own benefit.[6]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) A ceremonial act of giving food to monks or spiritual teachers, reflecting respect and the tradition of hospitality in the Buddhist community.[7] (2) The act of presenting food, specifically rice-cake and honey-food, to the Buddha by the two merchants.[8]
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) A practice in Buddhism involving the presentation of food to enhance gratitude and compassion among practitioners.[9]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Initial acts of generosity from the Bodhisattvas where they provide nourishing items to beings.[10]
Hindu concept of 'Food offerings'
Food-offering in Hinduism involves presenting sacred meals to deities, symbolizing respect and devotion, while adhering to purity guidelines. This practice incorporates cultural hospitality, represents gratitude, and plays a vital role in rituals and spiritual sustenance.
From: The Skanda Purana
(1) Various types of dishes prepared and served by King Kalasha, including sweet dishes and four traditional types of food.[11] (2) The practice of providing sustenance to spiritual guides and religious figures as a means of gaining blessings and merit.[12] (3) The food that is ceremonially offered to deities during rituals, which should exclude forbidden items and be accompanied by specific rites.[13] (4) The ritual presentation of food to the deity, consisting of milk-pudding with ghee and other ingredients as expressions of devotion.[14] (5) The meal prepared for Vishvamitra and his soldiers at the hermitage, showcasing hospitality.[15]
From: The Padma Purana
(1) Eatables prepared for Vishnu as part of worship, which are to be consumed after being offered, symbolizing participation in the divine.[16] (2) Provisions given to priests and deities, emphasizing the importance of these as acts of devotion.[17] (3) Sacrifices made to divine entities in the form of prepared food that symbolize devotion.[18] (4) Prepared edible items that are presented to deities during worship as acts of devotion and thanksgiving.[19] (5) The act of presenting food to deities and holy figures during religious rituals.[20]
From: The Shiva Purana
(1) Ritual presentations of food to deities and sages as acts of devotion and sustenance.[21] (2) Sacrificial offerings made to the Jyotirlingas, which are considered to reduce one's sins.[22] (3) Various types of food, especially ghee and honey puddings, that are to be provided to brahmins during the ceremony.[23] (4) The act of presenting food to deities as an expression of devotion and gratitude in Vedic rituals.[24] (5) Various edibles presented to deities as part of worship, emphasizing devotion and gratitude.[25]
From: The Agni Purana
(1) Specific foods like milk and clarified butter that are prepared and offered to deities during rituals on designated lunar days.[26] (2) The act of making offerings of food day and night as part of the Bhishmapancaka vow.[27] (3) Ceremonial gifting of food items to the gods, representing sharing and gratitude.[28]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Items of food presented in rituals that must adhere to purity and appropriateness guidelines.[29] (2) The practice of giving food to various beings, including guests, deities, and spirits, as part of a householder's duties.[30]
From: The Nilamata Purana
(1) Eatable items prepared for deities during worship, often including specified types like grains and sweets.[31] (2) Eatables made from barley and other grains that are prepared and offered to deities and during festivals.[32]
From: The Brahma Purana
(1) An offering of food, known as Naivedya, representing devotion and gratitude towards the deities, particularly prepared with significance and care.[33] (2) The offerings made for the deceased during Shraddha, which can include a variety of grains, fruits, and other substances.[34]
From: The Markandeya Purana
(1) Sacred provisions provided as part of rituals to feed and respect the divine, ancestors, and guests.[35] (2) The acts of providing nourishment; failing to do so leads to punishment by being born as a crow.[36]
From: The Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) Ritualistic giving of food, especially during funerals and remembrance ceremonies to nourish not just the living but also the spirits of ancestors.[37]
From: The Bhagavata Purana
(1) The practice of sharing one’s sustenance with divine beings, sages, and other entities as an expression of gratitude.[38]
From: The Garuda Purana
(1) Meals prepared and presented during the rite, demonstrating reverence and service to deities and Brahmanas.[39]
From: The Linga Purana
(1) Identifies various types of food presented to the deity during worship.[40]
From: The Brahmanda Purana
(1) Cooked rice and other items that must be presented to the Pitris before being consumed by the family.[41]
From: The Vishnu Purana
(1) Ritual presentations of food to various beings and deities as acts of nourishment and generosity.[42]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Edibles presented in a ceremonial context as an expression of gratitude or devotion.[43]
From: The Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) Items such as milk, ghee, and various other eatables presented in worship during the vrata.[44]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Various items provided during rituals, including grains, fruits, and other substances meant for the ancestors.[45] (2) Refers to the specific items, particularly cooked food, presented to deities and other entities.[46] (3) Ritualistic presentations of food to deities, ancestors, and guests, crucial in maintaining spiritual balance and avoiding sin.[47] (4) Food made as offerings during ritual ceremonies, particularly in the context of the Shraddha.[48] (5) Refers to ceremonial practices of offering food to deities and revered individuals, which is outlined in the ancient texts.[49]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) Various food items that are offered in rituals, symbolizing sustenance and respect towards the deities.[50]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) A form of ritual offering that involves providing food to deities or ancestors.[51]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) The various forms of food presented in rituals to deities, integral to express devotion and gratitude.[52]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) Comestibles presented to the Brahmanas and ancestors during the Shraddha, signifying respect and honor.[53]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The act of presenting food to Bhagavan as a devotional offering by His wives.[54] (2) Items of food presented as an act of devotion or worship, often significant in religious practices.[55] (3) Items presented to the Lord as a form of worship, meant to assuage His hunger.[56]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Items presented as food, which in this context includes bananas, soaked mung dahl, yogurt, condensed milk, butter, and milk.[57] (2) The sustenance provided to the Lord by Murari Gupta, reflecting the act of devotion through feeding.[58]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Providing meals to others, particularly in a religious context or to brahmanas.[59] (2) The act of presenting food, typically as a gesture of devotion or celebration in rituals.[60]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) The prepared offerings by Shaci-devi intended for the worship of demigods.[61]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Havis refers to various kinds of sacrificial food involved in the rituals, which must be blessed and made efficient through butter.[62] (2) A sacrificial act of presenting food to a deity or spirit, which requires proper positioning and intention.[63] (3) Ritual food prepared as offerings to the deities during the ceremonies.[64]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The act of presenting food as a sacrifice or tribute.[65] (2) The act of providing food, particularly in the context of hospitality, highlighted as an important duty towards someone who is given shelter.[66]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) An act of propitiation toward earthbound spirits, aimed at aiding their release from current forms.[67]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) Details the types of food that can be offered to deities, including conditions about being cooked, fresh, and uncontaminated.[68]
The concept of 'Food offerings' in local and regional sources
Food-offering encompasses the ceremonial meal prepared by the Prince, facilitates almsgiving rituals, and includes offerings like rice and coconuts by the Barber woman, highlighting its significance in cultural practices and promises of assistance.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The rice and coconuts the Barber woman took to the temple, as a means to assist her husband.[69] (2) The meal prepared by the Prince for the Yaka, which led to the Yaka's promise to help him.[70]
From: Buddhist Ceremonies and Rituals of Sri Lanka
(1) The most crucial element of the almsgiving, typically presented with ceremony and ritual.[71]