[ACOWPAL] (no subject)

[Guest guest]

> "Harsha (Dr. Harsh K. Luthar)" <hluthar

[...] Sattvic food for Hindus and Jains

> (although Jains are more restrictive) usually means fruits, vegetables,

> seeds, nuts, grains, legumes, milk, etc. Some include unfertilized eggs

> also. However, because cows are pumped up with harmones these days and

> generally mistreated to produce milk, I wonder if milk can really be

> considered sattvic now. Similarly with eggs, the modern methods used with

> the hens are highly questionable ethically. Given that most Yoga Shastras

> emphasize the critical role the food plays in physical, mental

> and spiritual

> development of the aspirant, it is an important issue for some

> people. What

> does constitute sattvic food today? Do Vegans lack some important elements

> in their diet. Is a complete raw food diet the cure for obesity,

> high blood

> pressure, and other degenerative diseases?

 

I would define sattvic food as that food which doesn't cause toxic residue

to accumulate in the tissues. So it depends a great deal on the digestive

capacity of the body and doesn't have to be the same for everyone. This is

why short fasts (up to one week) are important. If one is using the proper

food, the tongue won't change color and one won't start feeling tired

(detoxing takes a lot of energy).

 

Vegans don't lack anything; what is forgotten is that the tables of daily

requirements are based on some non-existing average person using a processed

food and meat based diet. Vegans have different requirements; if digestion

causes an alkaline surplus, the need for protein, for instance, is greatly

reduced.

 

If possible, food should be from organic sources, otherwise there is the

possibility of trace-elements lacking. So it is wise to add seaweed to

salads.

 

Veganism isn't a cure for obesity; avocados, bananas, nuts and seeds can

easily be consumed in amounts, greater than needed.

 

Belief is a burden, whether it comes to diet, science or Self-realization.

One should take the experiment. With food, it is easy. Detox the body for as

long as is required by fasting; the tongue should be pink again and one

should feel better than before the fast. This is the proper start for

becoming a fruitarian or raw food vegan. If the diet is suited, one will

have access to physical energy as never before and the mind will be very

clear. Cravings are a trick of the habit mind, missing former yumminess.

 

Some marks of being on a proper diet are:

1. no crusts or slime in the eyes on waking up in the morning

2. having abundant energy on waking up

3. no more colds and flue, irrespective of clothing

4. not being hindered by the extremes of temperature.

5. no smelly excrements

 

 

Jan