What do the sages eat? -- Sutra Citations
What do the sages(Buddhas, Bodhisattva, Arhats, etc.) eat? -- Sutra Citations:
Lankavatara Sutra - Chapter 16: Do not eat meat says:
"Mahamati, for my disciples, including voice-hearers, pratyeka-buddha(self-enlightened one)s and Bodhisattvas, they eat Dharma and do not need any drinks or foods, not to mention the Tathagata. Mahamati, all Buddhas - Tathagatas eat Dharma and stay in Dharma, their bodies do not need any drinks or foods, and are not like any bodies which need drinks and foods. Mahamati, I regard every living being as a same son, how could I allow eating of their flesh? I do not compliantly rejoice eating of meat, much less I myself would eat."
Mahaparinirvana Sutra - Chapter Two: On Cunda says:
O good man! The body of the Tathagata has not partaken of food and drink for innumerable asamkhyas of kalpas past. But for all sravakas' ["listeners" to the Buddha's teachings] sake, I say that I took the milk-cooked porridge offered by Nanda and Nandabala, the two shepherd women, and that, thereafter, I attained unsurpassed Bodhi. But, in truth, I did not take it. Now, for the sake of the people congregated here, I shall accept your offerings. But, in truth, I do not partake of it.
Mahaparinirvana Sutra, Chapter Seven: On the Four Aspects says:
I also show that I receive offerings made to me by the faithful. But I have no hunger or thirst in this body of mine, and I [just] comply with the worldly way of life. I display myself thus.
Wonderful Dharma Lotus Sutra - Chapter Eight: Five Hundred Disciples Receive Predictions says:
The living beings in that land will always take two kinds of food: The first, the food of Dharma-joy and the second, the food of Dhyana-happiness.
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