Guidelines for Promoting Food Consumption Among Monks to Enhance Physical and Mental Health

Abstract

The thesis entitled “Guidelines for Promoting Food Consumption Among Monks to Enhance Physical and Mental Health” aimed to: 1) investigate Buddhist teachings on food consumption among monks as outlined in Buddhist scriptures; 2) explore food consumption practices that promote the physical health of monks; and 3) propose guidelines for promoting food consumption among monks to improve both physical and mental health. The study collected data from the Tipitaka, commentaries, and related documents, which were then analyzed and presented using a descriptive method.

From the study, the following results were found:

The care of monks' health focuses on both physical and mental health, as the body and mind are interconnected. When the mind is joyful, the body becomes calm. When the body is calm, it experiences happiness, and when there is happiness, the mind becomes stable. The care of physical health includes practices such as walking meditation and the 10 duties, etc. Buddhist teachings that promote proper food consumption include principles like moderate consumption (Bhojan Muttaññutā), among others. The principle of considering food consumption involves four factors: reflecting on the purpose of eating, which is to nourish life, maintain good health, and promote well-being. The practice of mindfulness of the senses serves as a method to train oneself to be mindful while consuming food. The guidelines for promoting food consumption among monks to maintain both physical and mental health include: 1) consuming food in accordance with the Vinaya, 2) consuming food based on health principles, and 3) consuming food with a focus on sharing. Methods for promoting proper food consumption among monks include selecting clean, hygienic, and nutritious food to offer to the monks.