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Food
Revision as of 17:43, 17 January 2017 by Chaithrika (talk | contribs) (Created page with "*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 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'.
References
The above mentioned information is added from the book called LIGHT ON PRANAYAMA by B.K.S. IYENGAR.
