Guest guest Posted March 24, 2009 Report Share Posted March 24, 2009 Sir; please enlighten as to what is forbidden food pranams podury ---------------------------- :Shree Hari: Ram Ram In the book " God Realization through Renunciation " Shri Sethji (Shri Jayadayal Goenka) has written that the first thing to give up (renounce) is forbidden actions such as lies, deceit, cheating, dishonesty, eating forbidden foods, etc. Such forbidden conduct must not be done with either the body or the mind. They are blemish and an obstacle to the spiritual path. Therefore can't you renounce even the blemishes? Give then up from your heart. Renunciation from one's heart is most important..............(partial). From " Jivan Upyogi Pravchan " pg 27-28 in Hindi by Swami Ramsukhdasji ---------------------- GITA TALK GROUP GUIDELINES: PLEASE - 1. Only responses that further clarify Gita message will be posted. 2. Quote Gitaji/scriptures wherever possible.. 3. Limit personal feelings, opinions, beliefs etc. to the extent that they further help in understanding the Gita shlokas 4. Be as concise, to the point, respecting sadhaka's time. 5. Focus on subject at hand only. 6. Do not include links to the other sites. 7. Do not include your personal information (Ph #, address etc). 8. Do not personalize message 9. All responses may not be posted. 10. Moderator at his discretion, may modify the posting. 11. Take into consideration the novices, youth, westerners, non- sectarian audience. i.e. limit the use to Sanskrit words only. Provide English word bracketed. MODERATOR Ram Ram ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Post message: Subscribe: - Un: - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 25, 2009 Report Share Posted March 25, 2009 Sir;please enlighten as to what is forbidden food pranamspodury----------------------------:Shree Hari:Ram RamIn the book "God Realization through Renunciation" Shri Sethji (Shri JayadayalGoenka) has written that the first thing to give up (renounce) is forbiddenactions such as lies, deceit, cheating, dishonesty, eating forbidden foods, etc.Such forbidden conduct must not be done with either the body or the mind. Theyare blemish and an obstacle to the spiritual path. Therefore can't you renounceeven the blemishes? Give then up from your heart. Renunciation from one's heartis most important..............(partial).From "Jivan Upyogi Pravchan" pg 27-28 in Hindi by Swami Ramsukhdasji------- NEW POSTING Forbidden foods are those that harm us. We are what we eat. Most of our sicknesses are due to wrong foods and unhealthy lifestyles. The harmful things are alcohol, gutkas, smoking and meat. These things have been linked to cancer and a host of other diseases. We should eat satvik (pure) food, that is food that is alive such as sprouted beans, fresh fruit and vegetables for oxidation and drink lots of water to get rid of toxins.Hari Shanker Deo ------------ dear saadhaks The five senses, the PANCHENDRIYAs, are having their food. What ever these senses take in, is called food. 1. Whatever scenary, scene one see, what ever one look upon whether you are looking at a tree, whether you are looking at a man, an animal, a colourfull dress, whether it is a film, a photo, a TV serial, a drama, road traffic, police men, etc etc everything that is seeing by you with your eyes, all these are the food of your eyes. All the DRISYA are the aahaar of the eyes. 2. Like that all the sounds that you hear, whether it is a talk, whether it is the sound from a factory, sound of a motor car, sound of a cracker, sound of aeroplane, sound of lightening, sound of crying… each and every sound are the aahaar of ears. 3. All the feelings of touch on your skin, touch from your clothes, touch by another person or any other object on your skin, touch by fire, touch by wind, touch by water ….all such feelings you get on your skin, are the food of your skin sense. 4. All smells you smell thru your nose are the food of your nose sense. 5. All the tastes derive out of the innumerable items you put into your mouth and the taste which your tongue gets, are the food of that sense organ. All external applications, applying water, applying of oil, creams, injections are also covered in food items of respective senses. People normally think that food means, what I put through my mouth. This is what the contribution of the modern education. In the present education system, study is done only about matters. Actually there are three things, one, the object on which the study is being done, second, the process of studying and third, the person who is studying. If there is an integrated method of teaching/studying of these three, then this question would not have come at all. Alas ! that is not there in the modern education When you see a scene during your awakened state (Jaagrat) or during a dream, a touch feeling or sound during dream or even in the unconscious state, it is also coming under aahaar, as all these feelings of the senses are itched in the MASTHISHKA PARYANKAADHARA DESA (hypothalamas) . These writings in the masthishka is coming out as your samskaara. Only because that I am completely a vegetarian, it will not give the full result. One has to abstain from looking, seeing, hearing, listening, touching, eating such matters or things which will bring adverse effect to my mind and body. Not only my STHOOLA Sareera and SOOkshma Sareera but my KAARANA Sareera should also get purified through my shrined karmas Trust you must have got a small idea of Food " AahAAr. From this one can infer very clearly what is food, what is forbidden food. Refer Maandukya upanishad and get some clarification from a learned guru wish you all the best vijayan Dear Sadaks,In Geetha Bagavan says any food kept over night or over 5 hours gets fermented and Such food gives Rajo Guna (Agressive actions). Medically such food gives BP and sugar. Non Veg food is totally forbidden for reasons 1) Digestive system not desined for it. Lion liver is 5 time more than human. 2) Meat It produces fatty subtances that increases Cholostrol for people NOT doing very hard work. 3) Tongue pick up certain chemical odors from meat that makes human addict. 4) Onion is forbidden by Sastras as it produces urge for body pleasures. 5) Anything deep fried in oils gives Tamo Guna (laziness)Since the question does not relate to what food is good, I remain.Jai Sri KrishnaB.Sathyanarayan----------------------GITA TALK GROUP GUIDELINES: PLEASE -1. Only responses that further clarify Gita message will be posted.2. Quote Gitaji/scriptures wherever possible..3. Limit personal feelings, opinions, beliefs etc. to theextent that they further help in understanding the Gita shlokas4. Be as concise, to the point, respecting sadhaka's time.5. Focus on subject at hand only.6. Do not include links to the other sites.7. Do not include your personal information (Ph #, address etc).8. Do not personalize message9. All responses may not be posted.10. Moderator at his discretion, may modify the posting.11. Take into consideration the novices, youth, westerners, non-sectarian audience. i.e. limit the use to Sanskrit words only.Provide English word bracketed.MODERATORRam Ram------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------Post message: Subscribe: - Unsubscribe: - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 26, 2009 Report Share Posted March 26, 2009 Sir;please enlighten as to what is forbidden food pranamspodury----------------------------:Shree Hari:Ram RamIn the book "God Realization through Renunciation" Shri Sethji (Shri JayadayalGoenka) has written that the first thing to give up (renounce) is forbiddenactions such as lies, deceit, cheating, dishonesty, eating forbidden foods, etc.Such forbidden conduct must not be done with either the body or the mind. Theyare blemish and an obstacle to the spiritual path. Therefore can't you renounceeven the blemishes? Give then up from your heart. Renunciation from one's heartis most important..............(partial).From "Jivan Upyogi Pravchan" pg 27-28 in Hindi by Swami Ramsukhdasji------- NEW POSTING Hari OmBhagavan tell us in Geeta 17:7 to 10 -Even food of which all partake is of three kinds, according to the three modes of material nature. The same is true of sacrifices, austerities and charity. Listen, and I shall tell you of the distinctions of these. Foods in the mode of goodness increase the duration of life, purify one's existence and give strength, health, happiness and satisfaction. Such nourishing foods are sweet, juicy, fatty and palatable. Foods that are too bitter, too sour, salty, pungent, dry and hot, are liked by people in the modes of passion. Such foods cause pain, distress, and disease. Food cooked more than three hours before being eaten, which is tasteless, stale, putrid, decomposed and unclean, is food liked by people in the mode of ignorance. Sattvic Food This is the purest diet, the most suitable one for any serious student of yoga. It nourishes the body and maintains it in a peaceful state. And it calms and purifies the mind, enabling it to function at its maximum potential. A sattvic diet thus leads to true health: a peaceful mind in control of a fit body, with a balanced flow of energy between them. Sattvic foods include cereals, wholemeal bread, fresh fruit and vegetables, pure fruit juices, milk, butter and cheese, legumes, nuts, seeds, sprouted seeds, honey, and herb teas. Rajasic Food Foods that are very hot, bitter, sour, dry, or salty are rajasic. They destroy the mind-body equilibrium, feeding the body at the expense of the mind. Too much rajasic food will overstimulate the body and excite the passions, making the mind restless and uncontrollable. Rajasic foods include hot substances, such as sharp spices or strong herbs, stimulants, like coffee and tea, fish, eggs, salt and chocolate. Eating in a hurry is also considered rajasic. Tamasic Food A tamasic diet benefits neither the mind nor the body. Prana, or energy, is withdrawn, powers of reasoning become clouded and a sense of inertia sets in. The body's resistance to disease is destroyed and the mind filled with dark emotions, such as anger and greed. Tamasic items include meat, alcohol, tobacco, onions, garlic, fermented foods, such as vinegar, and stale or overripe substances. Overeating is also regarded as tamasic.General categories of food and drinks to be avoided are: meat, alcoholic drinks, mind-altering substances such as cocaine, marijuana, or caffeine. Bon appetit!Krishna S Narinedath. (Shree Hari Ram Ram Krishnaji, we cannot include links, could you please include the gist of the article for us in your next posting? It will be highly appreciated. Thank you, GT Moderators, Ram Ram) -------- Dear sadaks,What Sri Vijayan telling about food is about Panchendriyam. The question was for food a sadhak should avoid for elevating himself. Secondly most of the things Sri Vijayan mentioned is Poison to Panchendriyas, that makes Jeeva to be held firmly in cycle of births and death.What Sri Podury is asking is what food is forbidden for Sadaks, in order to elevate himself.Jai Sri KrishnaB.Sathyanarayan------- It is my understanding that any food which is matured from living plants system such as rice, millets, grains,cereals, fruits (all are fully ripened) is acceptible. Vegetables are to be avoided as they are not matured and therefore giving himsha to the living plant system.This is most important for those aspire for higher spiritual life. However taking mango , jackfruit and tomato are prohibited.In the night time light food or fasting or half stomach is advisable.Taking food is to be avoided during death of a person in the village till the time of funteral. With kind regards, Sincerely,P.Vivekanandan (Shree Hari Ram Ram Vivekanandanji, It will be helpful to know the source of this information, from which scripture. thank you, From Gita Talk Moderators, Ram Ram) ----------- Dear Sadhak, Based on my understanding of the shastras, the forbidden foods are - onion, garlic, beetroot, mooli, carrots, non-veg(eggs too), alcohol. It is said that in Kaliyuga especially dwijas should avoid all above food, and they should avoid food at hands of women with periods , non-vegetraians too. It is said dwijas in Kaliyuga will fall if they take above food materialistically. Only women , non-dwaijas are exempt from above restrictions as kaliyuga doesnt give affect to their body, but dwijas are not exempt. In fact any person chanting mantras, gayatri should avoid the above foods too, otherwise the mantras will give bad effect. I have seen personally, Today brahmin girls are more educated than boys and more progressive. I have studied that males on consuming even onions garlic or non-veg alcohol have fallen down in every aspect but Brahmin women are progreesing even on consuming above food. as that logic is not applied to women and non-dwaijas. yours truly, kalrav pande ----------- PRIOR POSTING Forbidden foods are those that harm us. We are what we eat. Most of our sicknesses are due to wrong foods and unhealthy lifestyles. The harmful things are alcohol, gutkas, smoking and meat. These things have been linked to cancer and a host of other diseases. We should eat satvik (pure) food, that is food that is alive such as sprouted beans, fresh fruit and vegetables for oxidation and drink lots of water to get rid of toxins.Hari Shanker Deo ------------ dear saadhaks The five senses, the PANCHENDRIYAs, are having their food. What ever these senses take in, is called food. 1. Whatever scenary, scene one see, what ever one look upon whether you are looking at a tree, whether you are looking at a man, an animal, a colourfull dress, whether it is a film, a photo, a TV serial, a drama, road traffic, police men, etc etc everything that is seeing by you with your eyes, all these are the food of your eyes. All the DRISYA are the aahaar of the eyes. 2. Like that all the sounds that you hear, whether it is a talk, whether it is the sound from a factory, sound of a motor car, sound of a cracker, sound of aeroplane, sound of lightening, sound of crying… each and every sound are the aahaar of ears. 3. All the feelings of touch on your skin, touch from your clothes, touch by another person or any other object on your skin, touch by fire, touch by wind, touch by water ….all such feelings you get on your skin, are the food of your skin sense. 4. All smells you smell thru your nose are the food of your nose sense. 5. All the tastes derive out of the innumerable items you put into your mouth and the taste which your tongue gets, are the food of that sense organ. All external applications, applying water, applying of oil, creams, injections are also covered in food items of respective senses. People normally think that food means, what I put through my mouth. This is what the contribution of the modern education. In the present education system, study is done only about matters. Actually there are three things, one, the object on which the study is being done, second, the process of studying and third, the person who is studying. If there is an integrated method of teaching/studying of these three, then this question would not have come at all. Alas ! that is not there in the modern education When you see a scene during your awakened state (Jaagrat) or during a dream, a touch feeling or sound during dream or even in the unconscious state, it is also coming under aahaar, as all these feelings of the senses are itched in the MASTHISHKA PARYANKAADHARA DESA (hypothalamas) . These writings in the masthishka is coming out as your samskaara. Only because that I am completely a vegetarian, it will not give the full result. One has to abstain from looking, seeing, hearing, listening, touching, eating such matters or things which will bring adverse effect to my mind and body. Not only my STHOOLA Sareera and SOOkshma Sareera but my KAARANA Sareera should also get purified through my shrined karmas Trust you must have got a small idea of Food " AahAAr. From this one can infer very clearly what is food, what is forbidden food. Refer Maandukya upanishad and get some clarification from a learned guru wish you all the best vijayan Dear Sadaks,In Geetha Bagavan says any food kept over night or over 5 hours gets fermented and Such food gives Rajo Guna (Agressive actions). Medically such food gives BP and sugar. Non Veg food is totally forbidden for reasons 1) Digestive system not desined for it. Lion liver is 5 time more than human. 2) Meat It produces fatty subtances that increases Cholostrol for people NOT doing very hard work. 3) Tongue pick up certain chemical odors from meat that makes human addict. 4) Onion is forbidden by Sastras as it produces urge for body pleasures. 5) Anything deep fried in oils gives Tamo Guna (laziness)Since the question does not relate to what food is good, I remain.Jai Sri KrishnaB.Sathyanarayan----------------------GITA TALK GROUP GUIDELINES: PLEASE -1. Only responses that further clarify Gita message will be posted.2. Quote Gitaji/scriptures wherever possible..3. Limit personal feelings, opinions, beliefs etc. to theextent that they further help in understanding the Gita shlokas4. Be as concise, to the point, respecting sadhaka's time.5. Focus on subject at hand only.6. Do not include links to the other sites.7. Do not include your personal information (Ph #, address etc).8. Do not personalize message9. All responses may not be posted.10. Moderator at his discretion, may modify the posting.11. Take into consideration the novices, youth, westerners, non-sectarian audience. i.e. limit the use to Sanskrit words only.Provide English word bracketed.MODERATORRam Ram------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------Post message: Subscribe: - Unsubscribe: - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 27, 2009 Report Share Posted March 27, 2009 Sir;please enlighten as to what is forbidden food pranams, podury ----------------------------:Shree Hari: Ram Ram In the book "God Realization through Renunciation" Shri Sethji (Shri JayadayalGoenka) has written that the first thing to give up (renounce) is forbiddenactions such as lies, deceit, cheating, dishonesty, eating forbidden foods, etc.Such forbidden conduct must not be done with either the body or the mind. Theyare blemish and an obstacle to the spiritual path. Therefore can't you renounceeven the blemishes? Give then up from your heart. Renunciation from one's heartis most important..............(partial). From "Jivan Upyogi Pravchan" pg 27-28 in Hindi by Swami Ramsukhdasji------- NEW POSTING Shree Hari || Ram Ram || Dear Podriji, thanks for a good question! Thanks to Mr. Vyasji, who has eloquently explained the relavent verses from Chap 17. Another Verse (6-17) from Gitaji says: yuktaharviharsya yuktaacestu karmasu yuktasvapnavabodhasya yogo bhaati dukhaha "Yoga, which rids of sorrow, is attained only by him who is regulated in diet and recreation, regulated in performance of actions, who is disciplined in sleeping and wakefulness." Not only it is important to eat the right kind of foods (Satwic per Gitaji: 17-8) as dictated by the temperament of each person but the food should be taken in a limited quantity. Eating too much food makes a person lazy, not eating enough, the stomach keeps growling for want of food. Generally, what is considered the right amount of food is what is required to keep the body fit and also when stomach is about halfway full, one is not reminded about the food. The thought of food will not allow one to concentrate fully on Sadhna. The other important element our scriptures stresses upon is that the money utilized for buying the food should be earned by fair means, keeping always the Dharma in the forefront. As it is stated in the 4- Pursharthas - Dharma comes first - Dharma, Artha, Kama & Moksha (Righteousness, wealth and other possessions, Desire fulfillment and Liberation from birth & death cycle). Food eaten at some one's house who may have earned money by foul means can affect the person’s mind who partakes it. For example, Bhisham Pitamah said since he ate food at Dhritrastra/Duryodana's place, affected his mind, that’s why he was not able to speak against the injustice being done to Durapodi in Dhritrastra's court. || Ram Ram || Humble regards Madan Kaura Hari OmA lot of responses have come on main Q. Let me therefore reflect rather generally.Swamiji Ramsukhdasji Maharaj on the quantum of food would often say that you should not remember stomach after eating. Now that is possible only when if you eat neither less nor more. Fooding habits indeed help in your vritties getting sattwik or otherwise.Your mind has direct relationship with what you eat ( Chhandogyopanishad-6/5/4). From the subtle part of food, your antahkarana (mind/intellect/chitta) is created, then semen gets created and then stool. When you eat , all hair roots of body too open and start receiving atoms from outside, hence sadhak should sit on pious place. While eating you should be peaceful and happy. You should be eating food out of pure and genuinely earned money. Drinking wine is one of the 6 Great Sins (Maha Paap). Drinking of wine destroys the very seeds of spirituality in a human being, the seeds get roasted. In maturing of the wine billions and trillions of jeevas / creatures/parasites get destroyed. Other Great Sins are- Illicit relationship with wife of Guru, Theft of gold, Killing of foetus, Killing of Brahmin, Killing of Cow.Any food derived out of violence is naturally forbidden. Jai Shree KrishnaVyas N B --------------------- Ram Ram What I sent about food was told by Lord Krishna to Thavudammal a devotee . As Gita mother is residing in highly spiritual people like Thavudammal taking food is absolutely satvik and not to harm any living body (including plant system ) as God is present every where as instructed by Him. Therefore she is avoiding cooking vegetables in her house. For example she uses coriander (kothamalli ) seeds for making chutnies but not coriander leaves. Such restricted diet system is important for spiritually advancing people( complete saranagathi ) and not prescribed for others. With kind regards, Sincerely,P.Vivekanandan,------------------------ Respected members, I have been reading the emails. Assimilation of what is good for you in every plane viz. mental, physical, etc. and try your best to practice for good of humanity is what I follow. I am a vegetarian. I found in this email that Onion, Garlic, fermented (Idly, Dosa, etc. batter go through a fermentation process) items are Tamasic also tea, coffee, etc are Rajasic. I request the learned to offer explanation on consumption of the above food items which are considered as vegetarian items. Ram! Ram! Ramesh Babu Think Good and Do Good, No harm ever will come to you; Good Human being is the perenial need of this World. -------- My pranaams to all Sadhaks. 4) Onion is forbidden by Sastras as it produces urge for body pleasures. 5) Anything deep fried in oils gives Tamo Guna (laziness)--B.Sathyanarayan Onions and garlic are forbidden solely because they make you more sensual---- many people who eat onions and garlic behave just normal--they are not besieged with untoward passion.Garlic especially is encouraged as it has health benefits. I personally know 2 Pujaris from a particular Sampradaya that forbids onions and garlic. They did not even eat from any homes that cook onions and garlic and both these men were thrown out from their communities because one ran away with a young devotee 20 years his junior and the other had an affair with one the wives of his followers. These are 2 very knowledgeable people who observed very strict food discipline and yet this did not help them control their sensual urges. Foods in the mode of goodness increase the duration of life, purify one's existence and give strength, health, happiness and satisfaction. Such nourishing foods are sweet, juicy, fatty and palatable. Foods that are too bitter, too sour, salty, pungent, dry and hot, are liked by people in the modes of passion. Such foods cause pain, distress, and disease. Food cooked more than three hours before being eaten, which is tasteless, stale, putrid, decomposed and unclean, is food liked by people in the mode of ignorance--Krishna S Narinedath. Sweet and fatty foods we are told are not very good for heath by many dieticians and doctors while sour help those who suffer from HBP. What should one do here then? Spicy foods too are now being accepted as healthy as various spices like cumin,haldi,chilli Cinnamon,cloves are all said to be beneficial to health. As for food being cooked 3 hours before eating being tamasik--almost everyone who have Puja ceremonies have to prepare their foods many hours before the puja commences--does this means that they are all unclean/tamasika foods? Based on my understanding of the shastras, the forbidden foods are - onion, garlic, beetroot, mooli, carrots, non-veg(eggs too), alcohol. dwijas should avoid all above food, and they should avoid food at hands of women with periods , non-vegetraians too.---kalrav pande Why are beetroot,mooli,carrots forbidden? And why are women who have their periods unclean to have food from? It is my understanding that any food which is matured from living plants system such as rice, millets, grains,cereals, fruits (all are fully ripened) is acceptible. Vegetables are to be avoided as they are not matured and therefore giving himsha to the living plant system.This is most important for those aspire for higher spiritual life. However taking mango , jackfruit and tomato are prohibited.In the night time light food or fasting or half stomach is advisable.Taking food is to be avoided during death of a person in the village till the time of funteral.---P.Vivekanandan Why are jackfruit, mango,tomatoes forbidden? In Yoga we are taught that we should eat light foods at night and this is a general rule for good health everywhere but why is it forbidden? And why should one fast when there is a death? The above are some interesting views put forward about what is forbidden to eat and I have inserted my questions and hope to see answers, thanks. Regards, Nanda TAD VISNOH PARAMAM PADAM (Rg Veda 1.22.20) ------ Hari OmHere are two articles: one entitled "The Sattvic or Yogic Diet" by Gary Gran, and the other "Food and the Three Gunas" by Swami Nirmalananda Giri. Sattva is defined as the quality of purity and goodness. Sattvic food is that which is pure, clean and wholesome. A sattvic diet is food that gives life, strength, energy, courage and self-determination. In other words, sattvic food gives us more than the gross physical requirements of the proper mix of proteins, carbs and fats etc. It also gives us the subtle nourishment necessary for vitality and consciousness. Food is seen as a carrier of the life force called prana and is judged by the quality of its prana and by the effect it has on our consciousness. These are important considerations in the practice of yoga. Yoga is defined as those practices that lead to anushasanam, which means the governing of one's subtle nature (Yoga Sutras 1:1). The goal of yoga is described as chitta vritti nirodha, the quieting of the mind-field (YS 1:2). Yoga practitioners advocate the use of the sattvic diet to support these subtle goals. A beginning practice in both ayurveda and yoga is to simply observe the effect of each food choice we make and, from our experience and awareness, begin to make small changes. As we progress in this practice we can recognize three broad categories called the gunas. Some foods leave us feeling tired and sluggish. This is called the tamasic effect. Other foods leave us feeling agitated or over-stimulated--the rajasic effect. The third category belongs to foods that leave us feeling calm, alert and refreshed. This is the sattvic effect and the basis of the sattvic diet. If we persist in this practice, we will arrive at our personal version of the sattvic diet. The Bhagavad Gita describes the sattvic diet as "promoting life, virtue, strength, health, happiness and satisfaction." Sattvic foods are "savory, smooth, firm and pleasant to the stomach." By contrast, the Gita describes the rajasic diet as "excessively pungent, sour, salty, hot, harsh, astringent and burnt," leading to "pain, misery and sickness." The tamasic foods are described as "stale, tasteless, smelly, left-over, rotten and foul" (BG 17:8-10). The true test of our foods comes when we meditate. All meditators know that there are two main problems. One is falling asleep--the tamasic effect. The other is an over-active mind--the rajasic effect. If we want to be able to quiet the mind and maintain our alertness to explore our subtle nature, we need to follow the sattvic diet. "When sattva predominates, the light of wisdom shines through every gate of the body" (BG 14: 11). The Traditional Sattvic DietAlthough it has been suggested that one can arrive at the sattvic diet through trial and error, it can be most helpful to consider the general characteristics of the sattvic diet, which traditionally is described as pure foods that are rich in prana. Organic foods are therefore recommended for both their purity and vitality. The food should be fresh and freshly prepared. Leftovers are decidedly tamasic. There are some exceptions, but most people understand that if you make a beautiful meal one day and feel great from it, that is no guarantee that you'll get the same effect or pleasure the next day. Sattvic foods are light (as opposed to heavy) in nature, easy to digest, mildly cooling, refreshing and not disturbing to the mind. They are best prepared with love and awareness. On this last point, please note that just as our food affects our mind, our thoughts and emotions also affect our food. You can consume high-quality food, but if it is prepared or eaten in anger, it will have a disturbing effect. On the other hand, you can sometimes take less than pure food and bless it to overcome its impurities. The idea ultimately is to absorb that which is nourishing and eliminate that which is not--and to keep our thoughts positive, especially when eating or preparing food. Pure, sattvic food needs to be chewed carefully and eaten in modest portions. Overeating is definitely tamasic. The food should be enjoyed for its inherent taste and quality, rather than the spices and seasonings that are added. Too much salt and spice has a rajasic effect, which fuels desire and leads to over-satiation, the loss of taste and the loss of pleasure. "When rajas predominates, a person runs about pursuing selfish and greedy ends, driven by restlessness and desire" (BG 14:12). A refined sense of taste leads to increased pleasure. Fresh Organic Fruits: Most fruits, including apples, apricots, bananas, berries, dates, grapes, melons, lemons, mangoes, oranges, peaches and plums, are considered especially sattvic. Sometimes yogis go on fruit fasts, where they avoid all foods except fruit and fruit juices, when doing a special sadhana (advanced practice) or have undertaken a vow. Fruit is also considered symbolic of generosity and spirituality and is often exchanged as an offering or a gift. Three dried fruits known as triphala are used to keep the digestive system operating optimally. Fresh Organic Dairy: Dairy is considered controversial these days, but the yoga tradition insists on the value of a wholesome food freely given by the symbol of motherhood, the cow. We need to use the highest quality organic fresh dairy to benefit from its sattvic qualities. Milk, butter, clarified butter (ghee), fresh home-made cheese (paneer), whey and fresh yogurt (especially lassi) are all recommended. They benefit from careful preparation, and the extra effort to learn the recipes is well worthwhile. For example, milk can be diluted and warmed with mild spices (i.e. fresh ginger, cinnamon and cardamom) and served with raw honey to overcome any mucus-forming tendencies. Traditionally, if a yogi is doing advanced practices, the dairy provides needed lubrication, grounding and nourishment. In fact, dairy along with fruit have been described as the epitome of the sattvic or yogic diet. Nuts, Seeds and Oils: Fresh nuts and seeds that haven't been overly roasted and salted are good additions to the sattvic diet in small portions. Good choices are almonds (especially when peeled and soaked in water overnight), coconut, pine nuts, walnuts, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds and flax seeds. Oils should be of highest quality and cold-pressed. Good choices are olive oil, sesame oil and flax oil. Organic Vegetables: Most mild organic vegetables are considered sattvic, including beets, carrots, celery, cucumbers, green leafy veggies, sweet potatoes and squash. Pungent veggies like hot peppers, garlic and onion are excluded, as are gas-forming veggies such as mushrooms and potatoes. They are considered rajasic and tamasic respectively. Sometimes the shortcomings of these foods can be overcome by careful preparation. An excellent practice is to drink freshly made vegetable juices for their prana, live enzymes and easy absorption. Whole Grains: Whole grains provide excellent nourishment when well cooked. Consider organic rice, whole wheat, spelt, oatmeal and barley. Sometimes the grains are lightly roasted before cooking to remove some of their heavy quality. Yeasted breads are not recommended unless toasted. Wheat and other grains can be sprouted before cooking as well. Favorite preparations are kicharee (basmati rice cooked with split mung beans, ghee and mild spices), kheer (rice cooked with milk and sweetened), chapathis (non-leavened whole wheat flat bread), porridge (sometimes made very watery and cooked with herbs) and "Bible" bread (sprouted grain bread). Sometimes yogis will fast from grains during special practices. Legumes: Split mung beans, yellow split peas, organic tofu, bean sprouts and perhaps lentils and aduki beans are considered sattvic if well prepared. In general, the smaller the bean, the easier to digest. Strategies include splitting, peeling, grinding, soaking, sprouting, cooking and spicing. Legumes combined with whole grains offer a complete protein combination. Sweeteners: Yogis use raw honey (especially in combination with dairy) and raw sugar (not refined). Spices: Sattvic spices are the mild spices including basil, cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, fennel, fenugreek, fresh ginger and turmeric. Rajasic spices like black pepper, red pepper and garlic are normally excluded, but are sometimes used in small amounts to keep the channels open (rajas is used to counter tamas). But beware. Taking rajasic spices with tamasic food does not equal sattwa. A teacher once said you are more likely to fall asleep and have restless dreams! Supplemental Protein: Yogis are advised not to indulge in flesh foods. It is said that the fear and anger of the animal being killed is transferred to the person eating the flesh. Fresh meat is considered rajasic, and old meat is considered tamasic. Another approach is to avoid the flesh of mammals, especially if one is using dairy products. How can one eat the flesh of one's (symbolic) mother? This approach allows for some high-quality fish, poultry or eggs. Even then it is recommended to abstain from flesh foods a minimum of three days a week with at least two prolonged periods of abstention from all animal foods every year. Purists rely on dairy for supplemental protein as it is given freely and is considered non-harming. One problem of the vegetarian diet is that it can become too cooling. For this reason, yogis of the Tibetan plateau sometimes include meat for warmth. One can also learn to promote bodily warmth through yoga practices centered on the navel region. An ayurvedic approach is to include warming and strengthening herbs in the diet like ashwagandha, astragalus or ginseng. Special combinations include masalas (based on cumin seed, coriander seed and turmeric root), hingashtak, draksha and chyavanprash. There are also mineral and ash preparations used called bhasmas. One that is favored in the Himalayas to keep the body warm in cold weather is a preparation of deer antler called sring bhasma. Sattvic Herbs: Other herbs are used to directly support sattva in the mind and in meditation. These include ashwagandha, bacopa, calamus, gotu kola, gingko, jatamansi, purnarnava, shatavari, saffron, shankhapushpi, tulsi and rose. Do remember that the above suggestions are just a starting point. Undoubtedly there are many other foods that will qualify. And some of the traditional suggestions may not be suitable for everyone. So put them to the test until you are full of "the sattvic essence." In the words of the Charak Samhita, one of the classic textbooks of ayurveda, "The persons having the sattvic essence are endowed with memory, devotion, are grateful, learned, pure, courageous, skillful, resolute, free from anxiety, having well-directed and serious intellect and activities and are engaged in virtuous acts" (CS III-8:110). And then, when your mind has become sattvic and peaceful like a clear pool of pure water, you may bypass the gunas altogether. Such souls, the Gita tells us, "are unmoved by the harmony of sattva, the activity of rajas, or the delusion of tamas. They feel no aversion when these forces are active, nor do they crave for them when these forces subside. They remain impartial, undisturbed by the action of the gunas. Knowing that it is the gunas which act, they abide within themselves and do not vacillate. Established within themselves, they are equal in pleasure and pain, praise and blame, kindness and unkindness. Clay, a rock and gold are the same to them. Alike in honor and dishonor, alike to friend and foe, they have given up every selfish pursuit. Such are those who have gone beyond the gunas" (BG 14: 22-25). Food and the Three Gunas The food which is agreeable to different men is also of three sorts. So, too, are the kinds of sacrifice, austerity and giving. Listen; this is how they may be distinguished." (Bhagavad Gita 17:7) It is interesting that these three things are major indicators of the dominant guna of an individual. Sattwic food "Men of sattwa like foods which increase their vital force, energy, strength and health. Such foods add to the pleasure of physical and mental life. They are juicy, soothing, fresh and agreeable." (Bhagavad Gita 17:8) Sivananda: "Foods which increase life, purity, strength, health, joy and cheerfulness, which are oleaginous and savoury, substantial and agreeable, are dear to the Sattwic people." Since we are seeking to become increasingly sattwic, we should look at each point of this verse so we can improve our diet and increase our sattwa, remembering that food becomes mind according to the Chandogya Upanishad. Ayus–food that actually increases the span of life. In other words, truly healthy food that protects the body and fosters it. The problem is that everybody has their own idea about what kind of food is healthy. I recommend that you read Dr. Neal Barnard's books on diet, starting with Food For Life. Most people are slowly killing themselves with wrong diet. If they do not shorten their life, they make sure that they are sick for years at the end of their life. Ayus also means what increases life force. Sattwa–food that increases the quality of sattwa, which also implies food that promotes virtue–both in the sense of strength and in the sense of goodness. It is food that lightens and promotes health of body and mind, food that is actually spiritual in its effect. This is purely vegetarian food, free of both animal and chemical elements. It is fresh raw food which has all its natural enzymes intact and moderately cooked food, as well. Bala–food that imparts strength to the body and mind. Arogya–food that strengthens the immune system so the body can resist or rid itself of disease. Sukha–food which is easy for the body to digest and which produces ease and comfort in the body. Priti–food that truly satisfies the body nutritionally, and therefore the mind. It need not be eaten like medicine. In fact, priti is that which gives actual pleasure in the eating. Rasyas–food which has abundant good flavor, that has plenty of taste. Snigdhas–food which contains sufficient oil, which is smooth and pleasant to eat. Sthiras–food which is substantial. Hridyas–food which is "hearty" and pleasant-feeling in the stomach. This is a valuable checklist to help us eat truly pure food. Rajasic food "But men of rajas prefer foods which are violently bitter, sour, salty, hot, pungent, acid and burning. These cause ill-health, and distemper of the mind and body." (Bhagavad Gita 17:9) Sivananda: "The foods that are bitter, sour, saline, excessively hot, dry, pungent and burning, are liked by the Rajasic and are productive of pain, grief and disease." Kata–food that is extremely acrid, pungent, or sharp–that is virtually caustic to the mouth. Amla–food that is very acidic, sour, or vinegary. Lavana–food that is very salty or briny (containing pickle-type fluid). This is hard on the kidneys and raises the blood pressure. Atyushna–food that is excessively hot. The problem here is deciding what is excessive, for the more people eat hot food the more tolerance they develop until what will be painfully, burning hot to others will be mild to their taste. I knew a man who would sit and eat jalapeño peppers whole like a snack. When I asked if they were hot, he said No. So I bit into one. Volcano! Tikshna–food that is harsh, fiery, and acid–especially in the stomach. Raksha–food that is astringent, and also rough and dry, the kind of things that cut the roof of your mouth or even your esophagus as it goes down. Vidahinas–food that is burning and scorching. This kind of food is productive of: Duhkha–pain and misery. Shoka–grief–that regret so many feel and which makes anti-acid manufacturers rich–and which contributes to ulcers. Amaya–sickness in the sense of malfunction and disease produced by the harming it does to the body. Next to its harmful effects, the more unfortunate aspect of this kind of food is its addicting nature. For example, people will eat hot food that makes them cry–and love every painful moment of it. This is because hot food contains elements that affect the brain–as does the mere experience of hot food. So rajasic food is the most difficult to give up. Tamasic food "And men of tamas take a perverse pleasure in foods which are stale, tasteless, rotten and impure. They like to eat the leavings of others." (Bhagavad Gita 17:10) Sivananda: "That which is stale, tasteless, putrid, rotten and impure refuse, is the food liked by the Tamasic." Note this: Yatayamam–food that is leftover, stale, and even spoiled. A lot of people eat this kind of food just from laziness or lack of initiative–both traits of tamas. Most restaurant food is unfit for human consumption, what to say about the "deli" food from big grocery stores. No one knows how old that is. Fast food chains pack their food–especially meat–in bags of formaldehyde and other horrors. Some will cook a large amount of food and then eat it for a week or more. I have known people that would scrape off the mold and eat away. Canned food is another offense to humanity. Now that we can refrigerate and even freeze food, the eating of leftovers is not always detrimental. The willingness to eat stale food–and sometimes the inability to tell it is stale–is more psychological than physical, and we must not let misapplied thrift get us into the habit of eating this devitalized food. Gatarasam–food that is tasteless, devoid of flavor. This applies to a lot of oriental food, and used to be the main trait of English cooking. And it really applies to a lot of fake "sattwic" food cooked by those that think they are spiritual or even yogis. Notice how flavorless and insubstantial it is, and what a disgusting color and texture. And on top of it all they give people a little dab, commenting: "This is really pretty rich [or heavy] and you mustn't eat too much." Some chance! The last time I had to eat in the home of dedicated spiritual (in other words grim and rote) people the amount served for eight people would only have sufficed for three normal human beings. Their tasteless and insufficient food reflected their philosophy and their minds. Do not buy into it. Puti–food that is putrid, stinking, and fetid. How many times have you seen restaurant signs or ads boasting that they serve "aged steaks"? It is the custom of "gourmets" to "hang birds" and let them decay a bit before cooking them. (I read of one restaurant that would "hang" grouse until they bred maggots, which they would wash off before cooking. One evening a group of customers called for the chef and rhapsodized over the delicious "stuffing" that had been in the grouse. At first the chef was bewildered, and then realized that the maggots had not been removed, but had been baked in the grouse! This is a clear example of how tamasic food perverts the palate.) Meat itself is rotting flesh. And what of the moldy and "stinky" cheese so beloved to many? Think of the awful smell fish and seafood emit when being cooked, what to say of the stench in oriental markets that stock them dried? Delight in such things is distinctly abnormal. Do I need to mention such ghastly things as "hundred year old" eggs and suchlike? Uchchistam–food that has been eaten on by another person. This is a favorite of many. They grab off the plates of others, plop things from their plates on others' plates, say: "Give me a taste of that" and take a bite off whatever someone has been eating–often a body part of an animal. Eating another's spit! In modern times when we know about germs and communicable diseases, it makes no difference to them. "Give me a sip of that…tear off a hunk of that for me…let me have a little bite of yours…." This is the way they feed. Drink This all applies to drink, as well, the rajasic and tamasic loving fermented, alcoholic liquids, and being addicted to every form of poisonous "soft drink." A missing element At the time of Krishna refined sugar in any form was unknown, so it is not on the list. It may be disguised as rajasic in elaborate and ingenious forms of sweet things, but its destructive nature makes it tamasic, though there is a good case for arguing that it should not even be listed as food. Even more These principles can be applied to every aspect of our life, not just to food. Society, religion, personalities, modes of life–just about everything can be classified with the traits of the food Krishna has described. Apparently we really ARE what we eat, even metaphysically speaking. Hope it helps us to follow a sattvic diet. Krishna S. Narinedath PRIOR POSTING Hari Om Bhagavan tell us in Geeta 17:7 to 10 - Even food of which all partake is of three kinds, according to the three modes of material nature. The same is true of sacrifices, austerities and charity. Listen, and I shall tell you of the distinctions of these. Foods in the mode of goodness increase the duration of life, purify one's existence and give strength, health, happiness and satisfaction. Such nourishing foods are sweet, juicy, fatty and palatable. Foods that are too bitter, too sour, salty, pungent, dry and hot, are liked by people in the modes of passion. Such foods cause pain, distress, and disease. Food cooked more than three hours before being eaten, which is tasteless, stale, putrid, decomposed and unclean, is food liked by people in the mode of ignorance. Sattvic FoodThis is the purest diet, the most suitable one for any serious student of yoga. It nourishes the body and maintains it in a peaceful state. And it calms and purifies the mind, enabling it to function at its maximum potential. A sattvic diet thus leads to true health: a peaceful mind in control of a fit body, with a balanced flow of energy between them. Sattvic foods include cereals, wholemeal bread, fresh fruit and vegetables, pure fruit juices, milk, butter and cheese, legumes, nuts, seeds, sprouted seeds, honey, and herb teas. Rajasic FoodFoods that are very hot, bitter, sour, dry, or salty are rajasic. They destroy the mind-body equilibrium, feeding the body at the expense of the mind. Too much rajasic food will overstimulate the body and excite the passions, making the mind restless and uncontrollable. Rajasic foods include hot substances, such as sharp spices or strong herbs, stimulants, like coffee and tea, fish, eggs, salt and chocolate. Eating in a hurry is also considered rajasic. Tamasic FoodA tamasic diet benefits neither the mind nor the body. Prana, or energy, is withdrawn, powers of reasoning become clouded and a sense of inertia sets in. The body's resistance to disease is destroyed and the mind filled with dark emotions, such as anger and greed. Tamasic items include meat, alcohol, tobacco, onions, garlic, fermented foods, such as vinegar, and stale or overripe substances. Overeating is also regarded as tamasic. General categories of food and drinks to be avoided are: meat, alcoholic drinks, mind-altering substances such as cocaine, marijuana, or caffeine. Bon appetit! Krishna S Narinedath. (Shree Hari Ram Ram Krishnaji, we cannot include links, could you please include the gist of the article for us in your next posting? It will be highly appreciated. Thank you, GT Moderators, Ram Ram)-------- Dear sadaks,What Sri Vijayan telling about food is about Panchendriyam. The question was for food a sadhak should avoid for elevating himself. Secondly most of the things Sri Vijayan mentioned is Poison to Panchendriyas, that makes Jeeva to be held firmly in cycle of births and death.What Sri Podury is asking is what food is forbidden for Sadaks, in order to elevate himself.Jai Sri KrishnaB.Sathyanarayan------- It is my understanding that any food which is matured from living plants system such as rice, millets, grains,cereals, fruits (all are fully ripened) is acceptible. Vegetables are to be avoided as they are not matured and therefore giving himsha to the living plant system.This is most important for those aspire for higher spiritual life. However taking mango , jackfruit and tomato are prohibited.In the night time light food or fasting or half stomach is advisable.Taking food is to be avoided during death of a person in the village till the time of funteral. With kind regards, Sincerely,P.Vivekanandan (Shree Hari Ram Ram Vivekanandanji, It will be helpful to know the source of this information, from which scripture. thank you, From Gita Talk Moderators, Ram Ram)-----------Dear Sadhak, Based on my understanding of the shastras, the forbidden foods are -onion, garlic, beetroot, mooli, carrots, non-veg(eggs too), alcohol. It is said that in Kaliyuga especially dwijas should avoid all above food, and they should avoid food at hands of women with periods , non-vegetraians too. It is said dwijas in Kaliyuga will fall if they take above food materialistically. Only women , non-dwaijas are exempt from above restrictions as kaliyuga doesnt give affect to their body, but dwijas are not exempt. In fact any person chanting mantras, gayatri should avoid the above foods too, otherwise the mantras will give bad effect. I have seen personally, Today brahmin girls are more educated than boys and more progressive. I have studied that males on consuming even onions garlic or non-veg alcohol have fallen down in every aspect but Brahmin women are progreesing even on consuming above food. as that logic is not applied to women and non-dwaijas. yours truly, kalrav pande -----------PRIOR POSTING Forbidden foods are those that harm us. We are what we eat. Most of our sicknesses are due to wrong foods and unhealthy lifestyles. The harmful things are alcohol, gutkas, smoking and meat. These things have been linked to cancer and a host of other diseases. We should eat satvik (pure) food, that is food that is alive such as sprouted beans, fresh fruit and vegetables for oxidation and drink lots of water to get rid of toxins.Hari Shanker Deo ------------ dear saadhaksThe five senses, the PANCHENDRIYAs, are having their food. What ever these senses take in, is called food. 1. Whatever scenary, scene one see, what ever one look upon whether you are looking at a tree, whether you are looking at a man, an animal, a colourfull dress, whether it is a film, a photo, a TV serial, a drama, road traffic, police men, etc etc everything that is seeing by you with your eyes, all these are the food of your eyes. All the DRISYA are the aahaar of the eyes. 2. Like that all the sounds that you hear, whether it is a talk, whether it is the sound from a factory, sound of a motor car, sound of a cracker, sound of aeroplane, sound of lightening, sound of crying… each and every sound are the aahaar of ears. 3. All the feelings of touch on your skin, touch from your clothes, touch by another person or any other object on your skin, touch by fire, touch by wind, touch by water ….all such feelings you get on your skin, are the food of your skin sense. 4. All smells you smell thru your nose are the food of your nose sense. 5. All the tastes derive out of the innumerable items you put into your mouth and the taste which your tongue gets, are the food of that sense organ. All external applications, applying water, applying of oil, creams, injections are also covered in food items of respective senses. People normally think that food means, what I put through my mouth. This is what the contribution of the modern education. In the present education system, study is done only about matters. Actually there are three things, one, the object on which the study is being done, second, the process of studying and third, the person who is studying. If there is an integrated method of teaching/studying of these three, then this question would not have come at all. Alas ! that is not there in the modern education When you see a scene during your awakened state (Jaagrat) or during a dream, a touch feeling or sound during dream or even in the unconscious state, it is also coming under aahaar, as all these feelings of the senses are itched in the MASTHISHKA PARYANKAADHARA DESA (hypothalamas) . These writings in the masthishka is coming out as your samskaara. Only because that I am completely a vegetarian, it will not give the full result. One has to abstain from looking, seeing, hearing, listening, touching, eating such matters or things which will bring adverse effect to my mind and body. Not only my STHOOLA Sareera and SOOkshma Sareera but my KAARANA Sareera should also get purified through my shrined karmas Trust you must have got a small idea of Food " AahAAr. From this one can infer very clearly what is food, what is forbidden food. Refer Maandukya upanishad and get some clarification from a learned guru wish you all the best vijayan Dear Sadaks,In Geetha Bagavan says any food kept over night or over 5 hours gets fermented and Such food gives Rajo Guna (Agressive actions). Medically such food gives BP and sugar. Non Veg food is totally forbidden for reasons 1) Digestive system not desined for it. Lion liver is 5 time more than human. 2) Meat It produces fatty subtances that increases Cholostrol for people NOT doing very hard work. 3) Tongue pick up certain chemical odors from meat that makes human addict. 4) Onion is forbidden by Sastras as it produces urge for body pleasures. 5) Anything deep fried in oils gives Tamo Guna (laziness)Since the question does not relate to what food is good, I remain.Jai Sri KrishnaB.Sathyanarayan ---------------------- GITA TALK GROUP GUIDELINES: PLEASE -1. Only responses that further clarify Gita message will be posted.2. Quote Gitaji/scriptures wherever possible..3. Limit personal feelings, opinions, beliefs etc. to theextent that they further help in understanding the Gita shlokas4. Be as concise, to the point, respecting sadhaka's time.5. Focus on subject at hand only.6. Do not include links to the other sites.7. Do not include your personal information (Ph #, address etc).8. Do not personalize message9. All responses may not be posted.10. Moderator at his discretion, may modify the posting.11. Take into consideration the novices, youth, westerners, non-sectarian audience. i.e. limit the use to Sanskrit words only.Provide English word bracketed. MODERATORRam Ram------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Post message: Subscribe: - Unsubscribe: - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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