Satvik Food - A Good habit for a healthy life
Video by Sri Sarathy Thothathri speaking about regulations of consuming food (Credits to Koyil . org)
Ahara niyamam (Regulated food intake) encompasses a holistic approach to dietary habits, integrating physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions.
- Purity and Avoidance of Impurities: Ahara niyamam emphasizes the importance of consuming pure and untainted food. This involves avoiding foods that are considered impure or detrimental to one’s physical and mental well-being, such as meat, fish, and intoxicants. By abstaining from such impurities, individuals aim to maintain a clean and healthy body, which is seen as a prerequisite for spiritual growth.
- Sattvic Diet: Central to Ahara niyamam is the concept of a sattvic diet. Sattva refers to purity, harmony, and balance. A sattvic diet consists of foods that are fresh, nutritious, and conducive to maintaining mental clarity and emotional equilibrium. This includes fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and dairy products. By nourishing the body with sattvic foods, individuals seek to cultivate positive qualities such as tranquility, compassion, and spiritual awareness.
- Moderation and Balance: Ahara niyamam advocates for moderation and balance in eating habits. Overindulgence or excessive consumption is discouraged, as it can lead to physical discomfort, lethargy, and distraction from spiritual pursuits. Instead, individuals are encouraged to eat mindfully, savoring each morsel and being aware of their body’s hunger and satiety cues. By maintaining a balanced approach to food, individuals strive to cultivate self-discipline and restraint.
- Gratitude and Reverence: Ahara niyamam fosters a sense of gratitude and reverence towards the divine for providing sustenance. Before consuming food, individuals may offer prayers or express gratitude for the blessings of nourishment. This practice not only acknowledges the interconnectedness of all beings but also instills a sense of humility and appreciation for the abundance provided by the divine.
- Health and Well-being: Beyond its spiritual significance, Ahara niyamam also prioritizes physical health and well-being. By adhering to a wholesome and balanced diet, individuals aim to promote vitality, longevity, and overall wellness. This aligns with the belief that the body is a sacred vessel that should be cared for and respected.
In summary, Ahara niyamam, as expounded by Swami Vedanta Desikan and within Srivaishnava tradition, encompasses principles of purity, moderation, gratitude, and holistic well-being in relation to dietary habits. It serves as a pathway for individuals to cultivate physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual growth through mindful and conscientious consumption of food.
In Srivaishnava philosophy, dietary choices are categorized based on their qualities and effects on the body and mind. These categories are known as sattvic, rajasic, and tamasic foods:
Sa:thvikamu / Sa:thvik: Sattvic foods are considered pure, wholesome, and conducive to spiritual growth. They promote clarity of mind, harmony, and balance within the body. Sattvic foods are typically fresh, light, and easily digestible. Examples include fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, dairy products, and natural sweeteners. Consuming sattvic foods is believed to foster virtues such as compassion, tranquility, and spiritual awareness.
Ra:jasamu / Ra:jas: Rajasic foods are characterized by their stimulating and energizing qualities. While they may provide temporary bursts of energy, they can also lead to restlessness, agitation, and imbalances in the body and mind. Rajasic foods are often spicy, salty, and excessively stimulating. Examples include caffeinated beverages, heavily spiced dishes, fried foods, and overly processed foods. Consuming rajasic foods in moderation is advised, as excessive intake can hinder spiritual progress and lead to physical and mental disturbances.
Tamasic foods are considered heavy, dulling, and detrimental to both physical and spiritual well-being. They are often devoid of nutritional value and may be difficult to digest. Tamasic foods can induce lethargy, inertia, and cloudiness of the mind. Examples include stale or spoiled foods, meat, fish, alcohol, and heavily processed or refined foods. Consumption of tamasic foods is discouraged in Srivaishnava philosophy, as they are believed to obstruct spiritual growth and lead to negative emotions and behaviors.
In summary, Srivaishnava philosophy categorizes foods into sattvic, rajasic, and tamasic groups based on their qualities and effects. Sattvic foods are considered pure and beneficial for spiritual development, while rajasic foods are stimulating but should be consumed in moderation. Tamasic foods, on the other hand, are regarded as detrimental to both physical and spiritual well-being and are best avoided. By making mindful dietary choices aligned with these principles, individuals seek to cultivate physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual growth.