The Yogic Diet
The Upanishads have taught for thousands of years that the mind is made up of the subtle essence of the food which we consume. Life can be viewed as an interaction between matter and energy or food and the eater of food. Everything in the universe is food and the inner Self is the eater of all that we experience through our five senses. Our physical, mental, and spiritual development depends on our ability to eat and digest the food that is our life.
“And he knew that food was Brahman. From food all beings are born, by food they live and into food they return.”
Photo credit: Nadine Primeau
A Diet Based on Peace & Prana
The traditional yogic practices were ascetic in nature as the yogi attempted to transcend the limitations of the physical body searching for enlightenment. Although this approach does work well, it is too extreme for most modern individuals who are deeply ingrained in the physical realm. For this reason, the physical body is the practical entry point for establishing both internal and external health and harmony as the body is relatively stable and is tangibly relatable.
Diet is an essential part of yoga because it promotes the health and wellness of the physical body, which is the foundation for a yoga practice to proceed effectively. A yogic diet is a natural lacto-vegetarian diet free of additives and preservatives, easy to digest and consists of grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and dairy.
A yogic diet can also be called a pranic diet as food is a conduit of prana or life force. The food we eat not only sustains our body, but it also influences the quality of our emotions and our mind. By choosing to eat a pranic diet, consisting of pure foods filled with vital energy, the yogin seeks to develop the higher energy of the mind.
Eating is a discipline and is in accord with the principle of ahimsa or the reverence for all forms of life and the protection of nature’s resources. The yoga practitioner is very clear of the broader implications which their dietary choices have on their personal and collective environment. If the food that is taken is pure and has been obtained by sustainable and loving practices, then the mind has proper building materials for the development of a strong, subtle intellect and good memory while offering compassion, protection, and respect to all life.
“Eating is our first interaction with our environment. If that is not based upon love and compassion, all our other actions are bound to suffer. ”
The Three Gunas and Food
The yogis believe that the three qualities of nature, or the three gunas, are present in all things, including food. The three gunas are: sattva, the quality or essence that is pure and balancing; rajas, the quality that is active, stimulating, and agitating; and tamas, the quality of inertia and dullness. When we eat, we are not only consuming matter, but also the energy present in matter. Therefore, the three qualities found in the food we eat not only influence the functioning of our physical body but also the quality of our mind, thoughts, and emotions. Yoga and Ayurveda emphasize a sattvic diet which cultivates inner peace for the mind-body network and encourages spiritual progress.
Consequently, the guna which is predominant in our mind will influence our attitude towards food in general, as well as, which foods we choose to eat. Our dietary choices are a reflection of our development and our consciousness. Therefore, the yogin avoids foods that leave one overly stimulated (rajasic foods), as well as foods that leave one feeling heavy and lethargic (tamasic foods). Instead, the yogin eats foods that render the mind calm and the intellect sharp (sattvic foods).
Sattvic foods are natural, fresh, pure, light, nourishing, ripe, tasty, and easy to digest.
Rajasic foods are bitter, sour, salty, pungent, hot, stimulating, and dry.
Tamasic foods are dry, old, decaying, foul smelling, distasteful, or unpalatable. Foods that have been processed, canned, or frozen, are cold or stale, or have been violently obtained.
Dietary Awareness as a Practice
The preparation of food is another aspect of the yogic diet because it is believed that the subtle energy of the person preparing the meal is absorbed into the food we consume. The strict yogin prepares food for themselves or has someone who loves and cares for them prepare their food. The process of cooking is an excellent discipline that involves giving to others, organization, and can be a learning opportunity for working well under pressure while staying calm. Food preparation also encourages cleanliness, imagination, creativity, and responsibility. The preparation of food is yet another opportunity to give and receive love.
Instead of eating being a mindless sensory experience, our attitude toward food and our choices that follow have the potential to be a spiritual practice. Our planet is suffering from tremendous imbalance. Every choice we make has consequences and what we choose to eat also has greater implications. Yoga asks us to take full responsibility for all of the choices we make. Even if a vegetarian diet is not right for you, moderation and mindfulness is always an option.
There are practical, philosophical, psychological, and spiritual reasons for the yogic diet. Our challenge today is to navigate the traditional practices and to assess how they apply to our individual, present-day circumstances. As we are all unique individuals, each of us must consider what will be optimal for our individual health and well-being while taking in consideration to how our choices are impacting the health and well-being of the planet and all of her creatures.
It is wise to listen to the teachings with a receptive mind, and then come to your own conclusions through your direct experience and analysis. As the saying goes, “you are what you eat,” and what you eat is what you express. The question then becomes: what do you want to express?