Bhoga

Introduction

Bhoga is an ambiguous Sanskrit word. Etymologically, the word bhoga is a nominal item derived from the verbal root bhuj-; the semantic range of this word spans those of “consume” and “enjoy” in English. The colloquial meaning of the term bhoga links it chiefly to the food offered to gods and goddesses and the enjoyment of earthly pleasure. The denotative meaning is associated with concepts such as delight, enjoyment, consumption, indulgence, experience, and sensual pleasure, whereas one of the connotative meanings suggests that bhoga means “pleasure without attachment.” Another connotative meaning suggests the distinctive feature of the Indian concept of property, while assessing the value of a dhana (“capital”) to the relevant swami (“possessor”), bhogaadhikaaras (“rights of possession”) are discussed. In Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha is the god of enjoyment and happiness; therefore, bhoga has a mythological connection to Lord Ganesha ([4], p. 52). In the Shvetashvatara...