Guest guest Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 Hare Krsna. In the Upanishads, it is mentioned "As is the food, so is the mind".So a man should eat pure food, because it purifies his mind. Theplace, seat, scene and atmosphere where he eats the food should alsobe pure and holy, as these also affect the mind. Moreover, feelingsand thoughts of the person cooking the food should also be pure anddivine.Before having a meal, a person should wash both his hands, and feetand mouth. Sitting on a clean and pure seat, facing the East or North,offering food first to the Lord, by reciting verses - "Whosoeveroffers to Me with devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit or water thatoffering of love, of the pure of heart I accept" Gita 9:26.After this he should take a little water in his palm and recite thefollowing verse: brahmarpanam brahma havir brahmagnau brahmana hutam brahmaiva tena gantavyam brahma-karma-samadhina brahma--spiritual in nature; arpanam--contribution; brahma--the Supreme; havih--butter; brahma--spiritual; agnau--in the fire of consummation; brahmana--by the spirit soul; hutam--offered; brahma--spiritual kingdom; eva--certainly; tena--by him; gantavyam--to be reached; brahma--spiritual; karma--activities; samadhina--by complete absorption. The act of offering is God, the oblation is God. It is offered by God, into the Fire of God. God is verily to be attained by him who always sees God in action. -- BHAGAVAD GITA 4:24Then he should drink the water. While putting his first morsel intohis mouth, he should recite the sacred mantra (hymn) of sixteen words"Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare, Hare Krishna, Hare Krisna,Kirshna Krisna hare Hare" or chant his favorite mantra (two times).Thus he chews a morsel 32 times, as there are sixteen words in thesacred mantra. This food then becomes digestible, nourishing andpurified at the same time one remains absorbed in adoration of theLord by reciting His name.If while having your meal, the mind is dwelling on evil propensitiessuch as hatred, envy, jealousy, fear and greed, the food will not bedigested well, and person will suffer indigestion. Therefore whileeating food, one should be free from all evil propensities, and shouldremain calm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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