Significance of Hunger
Synonyms: Starvation, Appetite, Craving, Voracity, Famine, Emptiness, Longing, Desire, Yearning
In German: Hunger; In Swedish: Hunger; In Dutch: Honger; In Finnish: Nälkä; In Spanish: Hambre; In Malay: Kelaparan; In French: Faim
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Hunger'
In Buddhism, Hunger symbolizes a profound yearning for enlightenment, representing a meditator's intense desire for mindfulness, similar to how a starving person craves food. It highlights the spiritual quest for fulfillment and awareness.
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) Symbolizes a deep longing for enlightenment, used to illustrate a meditator's intense desire for mindfulness akin to a famished person's craving for food.[1]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) It is described as the greatest ill or the most severe ailment, and the pangs of it might have prevented him from taking in the Dhamma fully.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Hunger'
In Hinduism, Hunger (kshudha) is viewed as a physical sensation indicating the need for food, impacted by emotional factors and linked to Prana, yet it does not solely dictate actions, as illustrated by Gopa-kumara's experience.
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) They are one of the wives of Lobha (covetousness), thanked and respected by the world.[3] (2) Hunger is a condition that the Goddess's provisions of vegetables, fruits, and roots help to destroy.[4]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) This, along with thirst and exhaustion, overcame the monkeys as they explored the area.[5]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) The sensation of needing food is considered a characteristic of Prana, as indicated by the text's explanation of the subject matter.[6]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The text identifies Hunger as Death, representing the desire to eat, which is a characteristic of death, and also is the force that brings about the union of speech with the mind.[7]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) This is a basic physiological need that can sometimes compel individuals to consume food that might be considered impure or undesirable.[8]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) Defined as kshudha, it is a physical need that may be exacerbated by emotional issues linked to Hridaya-daurbalya.[9]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A physical sensation experienced by Gopa-kumara, yet it did not compel him to go to the brahmana's home.[10]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Bharadvaja was tormented by this, along with his sons, in a lonely forest, leading him to accept gifts.[11] (2) The natural physical sensation signaling the need for food, which the alms aim to satisfy.[12]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) This physical sensation is increased by the act of taking a bath, as stated in the provided text.[13]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) This is the sensation to seek of food, and is initiated by hypothalamus through receptor, when ghrelin level is high due to absence of insufficient food in stomach.[14]
Jain concept of 'Hunger'
In Jainism, Hunger signifies both a physical craving faced by monks that requires self-restraint and one of the eleven afflictions that embodies the bodily sensation of needing food.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) One of the eleven afflictions, representing the bodily sensation of needing food.[15]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) One of the troubles a monk faces, which involves a physical craving for food that must be managed with self-restraint.[16]
The concept of Hunger in local and regional sources
Hunger in the text embodies a physical need, as shown by Dattatreya's meal invitation, reflects desperation in the blind man's wait for his wife, and signifies the discomfort from insufficient food.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A physical need expressed by Dattatreya, prompting the invitation for a meal.[17]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The physical sensation of not having enough food, leading to discomfort and suffering.[18]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The author says it keeps their consciousness up and is the reason why the inner light stays on.[19]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The state experienced by the blind man as he waited for his wife to return, emphasizing his desperation.[20]
The concept of Hunger in scientific sources
Hunger denotes a condition of insufficient food access, categorizing households as food insecure, and is directly tied to global initiatives aimed at eradicating extreme poverty and improving food security, as outlined in the Millennium Development Goals.
From: Journal of Public Health in Africa
(1) This is a condition where the occupants do not have access to enough food, and households can be classified as food insecure with this condition.[21]
From: South African Family Practice
(1) This is a state of lacking food, and eradicating extreme poverty and hunger is one of the Millennium Development Goals.[22]