AN ANALYTICAL STUDY ON CONCEPT OF FOOD CONSUMPTION AND DHAMMA ENLIGHTENMENT ACCORDING TO THERAVADA BUDDHISM

Abstract

This article included the following 3 objectives: 1) to study the concept of food consumption according to the principle of Theravada Buddhism; 2) to study the concept of Dhamma enlightenment according to the principle of Theravada Buddhism; 3) to analyze food consumption and Dhamma enlightenment according to the principle of Theravada Buddhism. It was a qualitative research by studying primary and secondary information. It was then analyzed and synthesized through the model of descriptive research and information presentation. Research findings were as follows. Food, according to Buddhist principle, is the state leading to a result through concrete and abstract supporting factors. Food can be divided into 4 types including: 1) Kavalinkarahara i.e. material food or physical nutrient; 2) Phassahara or contact as nutrient; 3) Manosancetanahara or mental choice as nutrient; and 4) Vinnanahara or consciousness as nutrient. There are 2 methods of searching food including: 1) Ariya-pariyesana or noble search; and 2) Anariya-pariyesana or ignoble search. The principle and method of food consumption includes 3 types as the following: 1) Dhatu-paccavekkhana i.e. thinking before consumption; 2) Tankanik-paccavekkhana i.e. thinking during the consumption; and 3) Ateeta-paccavekkhana i.e. thinking after consumption. According to Buddhism, the goals of food consumption include 3 levels as follows: 1) benefits obtainable at present; 2) the good in the life to come; and 3) the highest good i.e. Nibbana. Food, following Buddhist discipline, is divided into 2 types including: 1) the food allowed by the Buddha; and 2) the food not allowed by the Buddha