Eating According to the Bhagavad Gita: A Yojana for Holistic Health and Ethical Living
According to the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, our approach to eating is far more than just a matter of sustenance. It is a duty to be undertaken in a way that aligns with the principles of yoga, satva gunas, and ethical living. This article delves into the dietary guidelines prescribed by the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizing the importance of yogic eating, a holistic practice that ensures a balanced and ethical relationship with food.
Concentration During Meals
The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the importance of concentrating solely on the act of eating when food is served. When you eat with mindfulness, you connect with your consciousness, making the experience more profound and beneficial. This practice not only enhances the pleasure derived from meals but also promotes mindfulness and reduced overeating.
Understanding the Role of Diet in Personality
According to the Bhagavad Gita, our personality is influenced by the three attributes known as sattva, rajas, and tamas. The Bhagavad Gita specifically mentions the balance of these attributes in relation to our diet in Shloka 17.7. The advice provided here highlights the importance of maintaining a diet that supports a balanced personality.
Advising a Balanced and Nutritious Diet
Chapter 18, verses 51-53, of the Bhagavad Gita offer guidance on a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and unsaturated fats. This dietary approach is not only beneficial for physical health but also for mental well-being. Regular intake of nutrient-dense foods is a key to optimal health, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and calories without stimulating strong cravings for further food consumption.
Avoiding Harmful Foods
The Bhagavad Gita also cautions against the consumption of burnt foods, such as overcooked or badly barbequed meats, as these foods contain carcinogens that can lead to cancer. It is essential to choose wholesome, unprocessed foods to maintain good health.
The Doctrine of Karma and Eating
The Bhagavad Gita teaches the law of karma, stating that every action, including eating, leads to a consequence. This implies that the thoughts and actions involved in eating should be mindful and considerate. The article explores how every act, from breathing to eating, can have either positive or negative consequences, depending on the intent behind it.
Selfless vs. Selfish Eating
Selfless actions are those performed without desire for personal gain. According to the Bhagavad Gita, selfless actions do not yield any consequence, whether positive or negative. However, when eating is driven by personal pleasure, beyond the bare necessities, it is considered selfish and can lead to negative consequences. The article delves into the consequences of overeating and the law of karma as it pertains to ethical eating.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches that eating for enjoyment involves the killing of lives, whether plant or animal. The selfless act of eating for survival is not considered harmful, but any killing beyond survival needs is unethical and can have dire consequences. This is a reminder to eat with mindfulness and consideration for all living beings.
By incorporating these principles into our daily lives, we can align our dietary choices with yoga, ethics, and the law of karma, leading to a healthier and more ethically sound lifestyle.