PERMITTED MEDICINAL DRINKS (NAM PANA) AND HEALTHY CONSUMPTION AMONG THE ELDERLY

Abstract

The objective of this academic article is to study the principle of Nam - Pana (beverage) as presented in the Buddhist scriptures and to apply it for promoting the health of the elderly. The term Nam - Pana corresponds to the Pali term Namaṭṭhabāna, meaning a beverage permitted by the Buddha for monks to consume. There are two sets of such beverages. The first set includes eight kinds of fruit juices: mango, black plum (Jambolan), seeded banana, seedless banana, myrobalan, grape, lotus rhizome, and marian plum or lychee. These are recorded in the Vinaya Pitaka, Mahāvagga and Cullavagga. The second set appears in the Sutta Pitaka, Mahāniddesa, which adds certain fruits found locally in different regions, along with milk, oil, and ghee as additional permitted drinks.According to the Vinaya, Nam - Pana is related to the observance of the Eight Precepts (Atthasīla), which aim to cultivate self - restraint and purify defilements. One of these precepts forbids the consumption of solid food after noon until the next dawn, allowing only Nam - Pana - liquid beverages derived from fruits or medicinal herbs - to maintain bodily balance and facilitate spiritual practice.In applying this principle to elderly health promotion, it is observed that older adults experience a decline in digestive efficiency and nutrient absorption. Therefore, they should consume easily digestible beverages that provide suitable energy and nutrition. The use of Nam - Pana can thus be adapted to promote physical well - being, inner balance, and tranquility in daily life, as well as to serve as a holistic health activity grounded in Buddhist wisdom