Food

• The mahanarayanopanisad (79-15) describes food (anna) as the primary requisite without which man cannot develop his anatomical body to the spiritual level. It is stated that the sun radiates heat which evaporates water. The vapour becomes clouds from which rain fallls to the earth. Man tills the earth and produces food which, when consumed, creates the energy that maintains vigour. Vigour engenders discipline, which develops the faith that gives knowledge; knowledge bestows learning, which brings composure that creates calmness esestablishes equanimity, which develops memory that induces recognition; recognition brings judgement, which leads to the realisation of the 'self'.

• The body needs food containing the right balance of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals salts. Water is needed to help digestion and assimilation. Food in the form of nourishment is finally assimilated in various forms throughout the body.

• Food should be wholesome, palatable and congenial to the body, and should not be eaten merely to gratify the senses. It is broadly divided into three kinds – sattvic, rajasic and tamasic. The first promotes longevity, health and happiness; the second produces excitement, and the third creates disease. Rajasic and tamasic food make the consciousness dull and impede spiritual progress. It is the duty of the sadhaka to find out by trial and experience which is suitable for him.

• Whereas it is true that character is influenced by food, it is equally true that the practice of pranayama changes the eating habits of the sadhaka. Man's temperament is influenced by his diet because what he eats affects the functioning of the mind. Sattvic vegetarian food, however, may be taken by tyrants with disturbed minds, full of hatred, yet they remain rajasic ot tamasic. In the same way noble characters (like the buddha or jesus) may not be affected by those persons who give it, through they would normally be regarded as tamasic. It is the state of mind of the eater that is important. Yet a diet consisting of sattvic food only will help the peactitioner to maintain a clear and unwavering mind.

• The body is the abode of the individual self (jivatma). If it were to perish from lack of food the 'self' would leave it just like a tenant who refuses to reside any longer in a dilapidated house. The body therefore, has to be protected to house the 'self'. To neglect this body leads to death and destruction of the 'self'.

• According to the chandogyopanisad (VI,7.2) solid food, fluids and fats which fuel the body are each split up into sixteen parts on consumption. Food is divided into three of these; the grosset becomes faces, the medium becomes flesh, and the subtlest becomes the mind, in the ratio of 10/16, 5/16 and 1/6 respectively. With fluids, the grossest becomes urine, the medium becomes blood and the subtlest becomes energy (prana). Similarly with fast, the grossest ingredient becomes bone, the medium becomes marrow and the subtlest speech (vac). Svetaketu lived on fluid for fifteen days and lost his power of thinking, but regarding it as soon as he ate solid food again; his power of speech diminished when he went without fats. This experience revealed to him that the mind is the product of food, energy of fluids and speech of fats.

• The hatha yoga pradipika (II,14) says that during his practice of pranayama the sadhaka has to eat pounded rice cooked in milk and clarified butter. When well established in pranayama, he may choose the food congenial to him and his practice.

• Do not eat when saliva does not flow, for this indicates that the body does not need more food. Both the quantity and quality of food should be moderated. Chosen food might appear to be dainty and delicious, but it may not be good for the sadhaka. It may have high nutritive value and yet it may develop toxins affecting progress in pranayama. When one is really hungry pr thirsty, food is immediately absorbed into the system and becomes nourishing. Water by itself can always quench thirst. Real thirst chooses no other drink but water. Restrain artificial hunger and thirst. Toga texts prescribe that the sadhaka should fill half his stomach with solid food, one – fourth with fluids ans keep one-fourth empty for the free flow of breath.

• Do not eat when emotionally disturbed. While dining, talk well and eat wisely. When a noble frame of mind prevails while eating all but poisonous food is sattvic.

• The fire of digestion is lit by the energy that arises from respiration. Moderate and nourishing food is essential to maintain vigour, strength and alertness. Avoid fasting.

• According to Taittiriya upanisad, food is Brahman. It is to be respected, not derided or abused.

References

The above mentioned information is added from the book called LIGHT ON PRANAYAMA by B.K.S. IYENGAR.