ahāra sahayaka

“Food is the essence. Through food, all beings flourish.”

Taittiriya Upanishad, Shiksha Valli, Chapter 3, Section 7

The complete phrase “annam na nindyat tad vratam” translates to “One should not disrespect food; that is the vow.” This is derived from the Taittiriya Upanishad, an ancient Indian text. The phrase underscores the sanctity of food and the moral obligation to honor and respect it. In the context of the Upanishad, it reflects a broader spiritual and ethical commitment to living in harmony with nature and recognizing the divine essence in all sustenance.

Similarly,

Taittiriya Upanishad (Brahmananda Valli, Chapter 3, Verse 7):

• “annam bahu kurveet; tadvratam”
  (One should produce an abundance of food; that is the vow.)

Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 3, Verse 13):

• “yajña-śiṣṭāśinaḥ santo muchyante sarva-kilbiṣaiḥ |
  bhuñjate te tv aghaṁ pāpā ye pacanty ātma-kāraṇāt ||”
  (The devotees of the Lord are released from all kinds of sins because they eat food that is offered first for sacrifice. Others, who prepare food for personal sense enjoyment, verily eat only sin.)

Manusmriti (Chapter 3, Verse 70):

• “annam bahu kurveet tad vratam”
  (Let him, who is able, constantly make offerings of food; that is a rule.)

Mahabharata (Shanti Parva, Chapter 263, Verse 18):

• “annad bhavanti bhutani parjanyad anna-sambhavah |
  yajnad bhavati parjanyo yajnah karma-samudbhavah ||”
  (From food, all beings are born; from rain, food is produced; from sacrifice comes rain; and sacrifice is born from prescribed duties.)

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