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The yogic lifestyle through a vegetarian diet:
The vegetarian diet is preferred as the yogic diet, consisting of pure and natural
foods that are easily digested and promote health. Eating foods
first-hand from nature, grown in fertile soil (preferably organic,
free from chemicals and pesticides) will help ensure a better supply
of these nutritional needs.
There is a cycle in nature known as the "food cycle" or "food
chain". The Sun is the source of energy for all life on our planet; it
nourishes the plants (the top of the food chain) which are then eaten
by animals (vegetarian), which are then eaten by other animals
(carnivores). The food at the top of the food chain, being directly
nourished by the Sun, has the greatest life promoting properties. The
food value of animal flesh is termed as "secondary", and is inferior
in nature. All natural foods (fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts and
grains) have, in varying quantities, different proportions of these
essential nutrients. As a source of protein, these are easily absorbed
and digested by the body. However, secondary sources are more
difficult to digest and are of less value to the body's metabolic
needs.
A healthy motto is: "Eat to live, not live to eat". It is best if we
understand that the purpose of eating is to supply our being with the
life force, or prana, the vital life energy. This can be achieved
through a vegetarian diet.
Food divided into the three Gunas (qualities or tendencies)
In yoga, food is traditionally classified according to its effect on
the body and mind. Listed below are the characteristics of each guna.
Sattvic food (the quality of love, light and life), promotes clarity
and is favorable for spiritual growth. It is "sweet, fresh and
agreeable" and includes most fruits, nuts, seeds, vegetables,
particularly green leafy vegetables, whole grains, honey, pure water
and raw milk. Given the amount of pesticides and chemical fertilizers
used on commercial crops, only organic products still qualify as
Sattvic, and pre-packaged or frozen foods do not.
Rajasic food (the quality of activity and passion, lacking stability)
feeds the body, but promotes activity and therefore induces
restlessness of mind. It disturbs the equilibrium of the mind and is
generally to be avoided by yoga practitioners. These foods include
most spicy foods, stimulants like coffee and tea, eggs, garlic, onion,
meat, fish and chocolate, as well as most processed food. Eating too
fast or with a disturbed mind is also considered rajasic. Rajasic food
should be avoided by those whose aim is peace of mind, but will
benefit people with an active lifestyle.
Tamasic food (the quality of darkness and inertia, dragging us into
ignorance and attachment): induces heaviness of the body and dullness
of the mind, and ultimately benefits neither. It includes alcohol, as
well as food that is stale or overripe. Overeating is also tamasic.
Any transition to a vegetarian diet should be made gradually. Start by
substituting larger portions of vegetables, grains, seeds and nuts
until finally all flesh products have been completely eliminated from
the diet.
You will quickly feel your spirit lighten and notice increased clarity
as you adapt to your new yogic diet!
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