The ancient Hindu teaching "First comes the food; then the organism" reflects the profound understanding of the importance of food in sustaining life, a concept deeply rooted in Hindu philosophy and scriptures.
1. Importance of Food in Vedic Tradition
The Vedic scriptures, particularly the Taittiriya Upanishad, emphasize the central role of food (Anna) in the sustenance and development of the body, mind, and soul. The mantra from the Taittiriya Upanishad, "Annam Brahma," translates to "Food is Brahman" or "Food is God." This suggests that food is the fundamental source of energy and is revered as divine.
Taittiriya Upanishad 3.7.1 states: "From food, indeed, are born all creatures – whatsoever live on earth. By food, again, they live, and unto food, they ultimately return."
This verse highlights the cyclical nature of life and food, underscoring that all living beings are sustained by food, which is an essential part of existence.
2. Food as the First Necessity
In the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 3, Verse 14), Lord Krishna explains the interconnectedness of life, nature, and the divine. He states: "All living bodies subsist on food grains, which are produced from rains. Rains are produced by the performance of yajna (sacrifice), and yajna is born of prescribed duties."
This verse emphasizes that food is the foundation of life, produced through the natural cycle involving rain and sacrifice (yajna). The focus here is on the necessity of food as the primary sustainer of life.
3. Concept of Annamaya Kosha
In Hindu philosophy, the human being is understood to be composed of five layers or "koshas." The outermost of these is the Annamaya Kosha, or the "sheath made of food." This concept is found in the Taittiriya Upanishad (2.2): "This person is made of the essence of food. This is the physical body which has a head, two arms, and so on. It is born, and it grows by food; it decays, and it dies without food."
The Annamaya Kosha represents the physical body, which is nourished and sustained by food, indicating that physical existence is directly dependent on the nourishment received through food.
4. Rituals and Food Offerings
In Hindu rituals, food plays a vital role, often offered to deities during worship (puja) and as Prasad (consecrated food) to devotees. The Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 9, Verse 26) illustrates the significance of food offerings: "If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit, or water, I will accept it."
This verse underscores that even the simplest food offerings, made with devotion, are considered sacred and are accepted by the divine. The act of offering food symbolizes gratitude and acknowledgment of the divine source of all sustenance.
5. Ethical Consumption of Food
The Manusmriti and other Dharmashastra texts lay down guidelines for the ethical consumption of food, emphasizing that food should be obtained through righteous means and shared with others. It is considered a duty to feed the hungry and share food, reflecting the broader Hindu ethic of compassion and community.
6. Health and Well-being
Ayurveda, the ancient Hindu system of medicine, emphasizes the importance of food in maintaining health. It considers food to be the primary source of nourishment and healing, with the adage "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food," resonating with the Ayurvedic principle that proper diet is essential for health and longevity.
The teaching "First comes the food; then the organism" encapsulates the essence of these Hindu principles. It recognizes food as the foundation of life, a sacred gift that sustains the physical body, supports mental clarity, and is integral to spiritual practice. The reverence for food in Hindu culture, reflected in scriptures, rituals, and daily practices, continues to underscore its vital role in the holistic well-being of individuals and the community.