The world searches for peace, for tranquility, and in India, the search has been an integral part of life.
Freedom from worry, and detachment from the cares of existence stimulate higher thinking and spirituality.
And in India, this higher thinking and the reflection on the nature of existence has been a way of life. This is the basis for samskāras.
Performance of the samskāras have been directed as fit to bring about the status of tranquility and higher purpose, just as a work of painting gradually unfolds itself on account of several colors with which it is drawn…
Annaprāshana is one of the 16 major samskāras. It is the introduction of the young one into the external world. For the first six months, the child is carefully nurtured at home, on mother’s milk. The Annaprāshana is the first step towards interacting with the panchabhutās – the five elements, through food.
Food is made from the five elements, and the ingested food helps us grow and shape our personalities. Hence, what we put inside our bodies is of paramount importance – after all – you are what you eat!
Anna means “boiled rice” and Prāśana means“causing to taste”.
AnnaPrāśana is colloquially known as the first rice ceremony.
ॐ ईशावास्यमिदँ सर्वं यत्किञ्च जगत्यां जगत्।
तेन त्यक्तेन भुञ्जीथा मा गृधः कस्यस्विद्धनम्॥१॥
The Supreme Consciousness pervades in all that exists in this universe. Enjoy what Ishwara has given you with a feeling of detachment and don’t desire to take anyone’s possessions by unfair means.
Yajurveda 40.1
And so, have food with renunciation. Our tradition is that as soon as food comes to the plate, a portion should be taken out to offer ants and other animals, before one eats it.