The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

BUDDHA'S SPECIAL DISH (A THAI STORY)

"WHILE BUDDHA WAS TRYING TO ACHIEVE NIRVANA (THE ULTIMATE STAGE
IN THE BUDDHIST'S LIFE), HE WAS UNABLE TO THINK BECAUSE OF HIS
HUNGER FROM FASTING SO LONG. A GIRL MADE A SPECIAL DISH OF FOOD
MADE FROM GREEN RICE THAT RESEMBLED A GREEN, MILKY LIQUID. SHE
GAVE THE DISH TO BUDDHA TO DRINK AND AFTER HE DRANK IT HE WAS
ABLE TO REACH NIRVANA."

Submitter comment: THAIS BELIEVE THIS FOOD CAN HELP THE MONKS DO THE SAME AS LORD
BUDDHA.
BUDDHISTS BELIEVE THAT THEY SHOULD ONLY EAT TWO MEALS (NO DINNER)
SO THAT THEY'LL KNOW HUNGER. THE "MILK" IS DRUNK TO EASE THEIR
HUNGER.

Date learned: 02-00-1984