I am beginning a Sattvic diet today for a research project I am completing for my Subtle Yoga teacher training program. I plan to be more conscious of what I eat, choose live foods rich in prana, or life force, and abstain from foods which are not recommended on the diet. First, I'd like to share that 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 is described as chitta britti nirodha, the quieting of the mind-field (YS 1:2). Yoga practitioners advocate the use of a Sattvic diet to support these subtle goals, as well as traditional asanas, or yoga postures, as well as meditation.
The idea for the traditional Sattvic Diet has come from several ancient yoga texts including the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and the Bhagavad Gita. In the Bhagavad Gita Krishna is the spiritual authority which speaks of spiritual, human, and physical nature. In Chapter 17, verses 8, 9, and 10, Krishna makes clear which foods should be avoided by those who seek good health, worldly success, and progress on the spiritual path. According to the Bhagavad Gita, foods which are too bitter, sour, salty, pungent, dry, and hot can lead to pain, distress, and disease of the body. According to this ancient text, this diet is "promoting life, virtue, strength, health, happiness, and satisfaction." Furthermore, foods which are tasteless, stale, putrid, decomposed and unclean should be avoided by those who seek excellent physical and mental health. He was mostly referring to meat here, but also says to avoid other foods which I will mention below. Have you ever noticed that plain meat, unseasoned, doesn't have much flavor and is only enticing when condiments, seasonings, and other flavors are added?
Furthermore, there are many other benefits to this diet that affect the world around. Patanjali tells us in the Yoga Sutras, that Ahimsa, or non-harming and kindness, is the greatest gift and the highest self-control. It is the biggest sacrifice, highest truth, and highest teaching. When you're harming animals for meat, you are breaking this ethical standard.
"One is dearest to God who has no enemies among the living beings, who is nonviolent to all creatures." -Bhagavad Gita.
Even the bible tells us to not harm, love your enemies, and do good to others. Although Christians aren't traditionally vegetarians, there are many references in the bible that would lead one to this path.
Furthermore, in consideration of the world around us, a Sattvic diet can conserve fuel, waste, pollution, water from farms, conserve oceans, and help world hunger! Any of these facts can be researched in books or on the internet for further consideration.
The idea of this diet begins with the belief that what we eat has a huge influence on not only our physical well being (which is the main focus of modern science), but ultimately our emotional and spiritual well being. Have you ever had a heavy, filling meal of white pasta or steak and felt the need to rest after? Or, have you ever had coffee, tea, onions, or garlic and felt like your mind is racing after? Or, have you ever wondered how kids with ADD would act if they cut out sugary, processed, and heavy foods?
Basically the diet identifies foods as Sattvic, which promote mental clarity and calmness of the mind and therefore favorable to spiritual growth, Rajasic, which can create a restless mind, and Tamasic, which create heaviness in the body, dullness of mind, and ultimately benefits neither.
Sattvic foods (foods to eat) include fruits, nuts, seeds, vegetables, whole grains, honey, pure water, and milk (organic and environmentally/animal friendly). These foods promote longevity, good mental and physical health, as well as a calm and pure mind.
Rajasic foods (foods to avoid) create an unsteady mind and include spicy foods, coffee, chocolate, tea, eggs, garlic, onion. These foods can make you restless and unsettled.
Tamasic foods (foods to avoid) create dullness, heaviness and include processed foods, meat, alcohol, and tobacco. These are considered the unhealthiest of all.
Along with eating this diet, one should focus on work, self-improvement, and intellectual or spiritual pursuits. Also, it's important to maintain a positive nature, demonstrate generosity, kindness, openness, fairness, and forgiveness. Faith and belief in the Great Spirit or God, engaging in selfless service or charitable activities also helps one become Sattvic.
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