A thought for Food & food for Thought- Part 4 of 7

[Guest guest]

(continuing from Part 3)

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Dear friends,

 

It must be clearly understood that "annam", the

principal fuel or energy-source for Man, comes too in

different grades of quality. Just as, say, automotive

fuel comes in many retail grades (leaded, unleaded,

premium, super etc) human fuel i.e. "annam", too comes

in 3 distinct grades each meant specifically for 3

types of human beings -- the "sAttvi-c", "rajasi-c"

and "tamasi-c" individual.

 

The "sAttvic" Man is like the sophisticated F-16

jet-fighter designed to perform extraordinary

functions -- flying supersonic speeds at

near-stratospheric altitudes. The "sAttvic" Man too is

similarly born to strive for the higher things of life

such as Knowledge, Illumination, Goodness and Selfless

Work. He is different from lesser men of the world.

Such a man deserves the highest grade of fuel, the

highest of "anna shuddhi". If he must function in life

as he really must -- in accordance with the innate

nobility and superiority of his inner aspirations --

he must feed upon an essentially "sAttvic" diet.

 

The Bhagavath-Gita prescribes for such a man only such

varieties of diet ("aahAram") that can promote robust

bodily growth, mental alertness, well-being,

longevity, intellectual vigor, health, affability and

happiness. Such Food or "aahaara" is said to be full

of sweetness, oleogenous in character and wholly

nutritious. It is well described in Chapter XVII.8 in

the Bhagavath-Gita. Examples of "sattva aahAra" are

fresh fruits and vegetables, milk and milk-products,

rice, and wholesome grains and cereals etc. Generally

speaking, vegetarian food tends to be "sAttvic" in

nature.

 

It is this type of Food particularly which, in its 3rd

Commandment, the Upanishad says should be grown

abundantly in the world --- "annam bahu kurveeta!"

 

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(to be continued)

 

Rgds,

 

dAsan,

Sudarshan

 

 

 

 

 

 

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