Gruel

Translated by E. M. Hare

[1] Thus have I heard:

Once the Exalted One dwelt near Sāvatthī;
and there he addressed the monks, saying:

"Monks."

'Yes, lord,' they replied;
and the Exalted One said:

Gruel. A thin porridge. Made by boiling oats, wheat or rye in water or milk.

— p.p.

"Monks, there are these five advantages from gruel.

What five?

It checks hunger,
keeps off thirst,
regulates wind,
cleanses the bladder^[1]
and digests raw remnants of food.

Verily, monks, these are the five advantages of gruel.'

^[1] Vatthi. Comy. dhamaniyo.