A Life Enhancing Diet to Balance the Mind
"Food
is a dynamic force which interacts with the human on the physical body
level, the mind emotional level, and also the energetic and spiritual
level. The study of nutrition is the study of the interaction with and
assimilation of the dynamic forces of food by the dynamic forces of our
total being." ~ Gabriel Cousens, M.D., Spiritual Nutrition and The Rainbow Diet?
WHAT IS A SATTVIC DIET?
In
Ayurveda the emphasize is on a Sattvic diet for healthy living,
particularly for keeping our minds clear, happy and at peace. The
original Sattvic diet was devised for the development of higher
consciousness.
Sattvic foods are foods that are abundant in
Prana- the universal life-force that gives life to all sentient beings
in both plant and animal kingdoms. a Sattvic diet means not only
vegetarian food, but food rich in Prana 'life-force like organic fresh
fruits and vegetables. it requires avoiding canned and processed food,
and foods prepared with chemical fertilizers or sprays. It also means
properly prepared fresh foods. Foods prepared with lots of love will add
to their Sattvic quality.
The ancient Ayurvedic criteria for
foods to be considered Sattvic were quite simple: foods were grown
organically on good rich fertile soil; foods were to be of attractive
appearance, and be harvested at the correct time of year. Foods should
be whole foods full of life-force and enzymes and be as close as
possible as they are in their natural fresh state.
Today, we need
to add to these criteria for Sattva several other modern concerns.
Sattvi foods should be grown without pesticides, herbicides, chemical
fertilizers, hormones, irradiation or anything unnatural. Modern use of
refinement processes and chemical additives, besides actually adding
substances to our foods, depletes foods of their Prana 'life-force' and
hence renders them heavy, impotent and lifeless.
Sattic foods are
nutritive vegetarian foods like organic nuts, seeds, whole grains and
oily fruits and vegetables that help build the brain tissue and develop
Ojas.
The Three Gunas
In the unmanifested
Universe, energy has three qualities, known as Gunas, that exist
together in equilibrium: Sattva (purity); Rajas (activity, passion, the
process of change); and Tamas (darkness, inertia). Once energy takes
form, one quality of the three predominates. Thus on an apple tree, some
of the fruit is ripe (Sattvic), some ripening (rajasic) and some
overripe (tamasic). But no matter which quality prevails, an Element of
each of the other two will always be present as well. Most of an
individual apple will be ripe, but part will be rotten, even if the
naked eye cannot see it, and part will be in the process of changing
from one state to the other. The three Gunas encompass all existence,
all actions. If a man commits a robbery, the action is basically rajasic
but the decision to rob and the motive may be predominantly tamasic,
rajasic or Sattvic, according to the situation. In all people one of the
three Gunas has superior strength and is reflected in all they do and
think. Only in enlightenment are the Gunas completely transcended.
Ancient Rishis have said you take on the karma of the animal you eat
When
you eat meat you are ingesting all the stress hormones released when
that animal was killed. The hormones released at death are present in
the flesh when you eat it. At a cellular level, your body is getting the
message that you are dying.
One goal and effect of Ayurveda and following a spiritual path is to raise our vibrational levels
Meat
has a very low vibration. On a continuum of lower vibrations, fish,
chicken, lamb, beef, and finally pork have increasingly lower vibrations
and their energy is very dark, dense and congested. Through the
centuries it has been observed that vegetarians have a more refined
etheric body and brighter aura. A vegetarian whose etheric body is
brighter and healthier will generally heal at much faster rate than
those who are not vegetarian.
Ayurvedic Principles
Everything
on Earth has a primary quality (Guna). Anything we hear, smell, see,
taste or touch may be classified into the categories of Sattvic, Rajasic
or Tamasic.
BALANCING THE EMOTIONAL BODY WITH FOOD
In
Ayurveda a dietary system was developed by the ancient Masters and Sages
thousands of years in working with the mind to help support an
individual on a spiritual path that perfected the ancient forms of Yoga
and Meditation. It is also the foundation of many healing arts. It has a
rich tradition that has been taught, practiced and passed onto many
cultures over the world.
Ayurveda or Sattvic foods all have one thing
in common: they are high in Prana (the universal life force). More
specifically, Sattvic foods are natural, organically grown, and as
unrefined as possible. Modern food processing takes the Prana out of
many foods and makes them heavy, impotent, and lifeless- or simply "dead
food."
Mind balance in Ayurveda means modifying the mind from
Tamasic or Rajasic to Sattvic state. Choosing those foods and activities
that are Sattvic in nature in preference to those that are Rajasic or
Tamasic does that. With consistent and dedicated attention to diet,
environment and sensory experiences, total mind balance can be achieved.
It
often takes discipline and effort to become Sattvic, but the peace of
mind, health, strength and immunity that is obtained from this state of
mind makes it worthwhile. However, some rajas and tamas qualities are
still required for action and motivation to achieve our goals and
inaction, sleep or relaxation (tamas).
There are three types of foods categorized by their primal essence or nature:
Tamasic Foods
Dark,
and dull. 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, jealousy and greed.
Tamasic
foods include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, alcohol and other intoxicants
including drugs. Foods that are over-processed, no longer fresh, and/or
difficult to digest are Tamasic. Foods that are prepared unconsciously
or while the preparer is angry or in a negative mood are also considered
Tamasic. If you are interested in vital health and spiritual growth it
is best to avoid these foods. Tamasic items include meat, alcohol,
tobacco, onions, garlic, fermented foods, such as vinegar, and stale
left over food, contaminated or overripe substances. Overeating is also
regarded as tamasic. Tamasic is the unhealthiest food of all.
Rajasic Foods
Rajas
signifies the "can do" kind of energy. It is the energy, which we need
to accomplish, create, and achieve. It represents worldly power and the
sex drive. A Rajasic diet is good for "householders" who aspire to
maintain a meditative mind but need to live and work in the world as
well. It has been recommended by the ancient Rishis teachers that a
combination of Sattvic and Rajasic foods for those who practice
demanding disciplines such as endurance athletics, martial arts and
Kundalini Yoga. They destroy the mind-body equilibrium, feeding the body
at the expense of the mind.
Foods that are very hot, bitter, sour,
dry, or salty are rajasic. Too much rajasic food will over stimulate the
body and excite strong emotional qualities and passions, making the
mind restless and uncontrollable. Rajasic foods include hot substances,
such as sharp spices or strong herbs, stimulants, like coffee and tea,
meat of animals and fish, eggs, salt and chocolate. Many of the ground
foods are Rajasic. Eating in a hurry is also considered rajasic.
Sattvic Foods
Sattvic
means pure essence. This is the purest diet for a consciously spiritual
and healthy life. It nourishes the body and maintains it in a peaceful
state. According to Ayurveda, this is the best diet for physical
strength, a good mind, good health, and longevity. 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. They are known to
have a very cleansing effect on the body. A Sattvic diet is excellent
for those individuals who desire to live a quiet, peaceful and
meditative life. Sattvic foods comprise the diet of many sages, yogis
and spiritual teachers. These foods are supposed to produce calmness and
nobility among men. Eating fruits and vegetables increases one's
magnetism. From what we understand today about diets we are sure that
ancient Essenes and Rishis masters saints had a very good idea about
food in general and their effect on the body and thinking pattern of
man. Expression of the soul is dependent on the body, and the body is
dependant on food.
The Sattvic diet consists of light, soothing,
easily digested food. Sattvic signifies the etheric qualities and
includes foods such as fruits and vegetables, especially sun foods and
ground foods. Many Sattvic foods are sun foods are those that grow one
meter or more above the ground. They have a quickening and lightening
effect on the body's nervous and digestive systems. Ground foods are
those foods that grow within one meter of the ground. They draw energy
from the earth and are high in nutrients. Sattvic foods include sprouted
whole grains, fresh fruit, land and sea vegetables, pure fruit juices,
nut and seed milk and cheese, legumes, nuts, seeds, sprouted seeds,
honey, and herb teas. Sattvic foods are those foods which do not agitate
your stomach at all. According to the diet, the best foods are those
that are fresh, which have a balance of all the six tastes and are
consumed in moderate portions.
Becoming Sattvic
One
should focus on work, self-improvement and intellectual or spiritual
pursuits. Maintaining a positive nature, demonstrating generosity,
kindness, openness, fairness (equality) and forgiveness also increases
Sattva Guna. In addition spiritual inclination, faith and belief in the
Great Spirit or God, engaging in selfless service or charitable
activities help to become Sattvic.
Nature's Sattvic Foods
Fruits
Apples,
Kiwi, Prunes, Apricots, Loquat, Tangerines, Bananas, Lychee,
Pomegranate, Cantaloupe, Mango, Papaya, Cherries, Melons, Nectarines,
Cranberry, Honeydew, Oranges, Grapefruits, Watermelon, Pineapples,
Grapes, Peaches, Plums, Guava, Pears, Persimmon
Vegetables
Artichokes,
Eggplant, Lettuce, Beets, Mustard, Greens, Asparagus, Daikon, Onions,
Endive, Fennel, Maitake, Parsnips, Bok Choy, Peas, Broccoli, Green
Beans, Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts, Kale, Radishes, Cabbage, Leeks, Lima
Beans, Shallots, Carrots, Celery, Spinach, Cauliflower, Chard,
Chanterelles, Sprouts, Corn, Squash, Shitake, Mushrooms, Watercress,
Turnips, Yams
Sprouted Whole Grains
Amaranth, Barley, Buckwheat, Bulgur, Millet, Quinoa, Rice:Basmati, Brown and Wild Rice.
Oils
Olive, Safflower, Sesame, Sunflower, Garbanzo, Lentils, Mung.
Spices
Asafoetida
(hing), Coriander, Basil, Cumin, Nutmeg, Black Pepper, Fennel seed,
Parsley, Cardamom, Fenugreek, Turmeric, Cinnamon, Cloves, Ginger
Nut/Seed
Brazil nuts, Pumpkin seeds, Sunflower seeds, Walnuts
Milks & Cheese
Seed milk, Hemp milk, Almond or other nut milk
Sweetners
Cane juice, Raw honey, Stevia, Fruit Juices, Maple Syrup
It
takes time for the effects of dietary changes to manifest on the mind.
Changing our diet may not impact our psychology overnight, but in a
period of months can affect it significantly.
Peace love harmony
