Ideal Yogic Food-stuffsAfter discussing all aspects and all types of food, it can easily be concluded that the following types of food items can be included in the yogic diet, which not only help the body to remain strong and active but lead one to high mental and spiritual attainments (1) All nuts and fruits, (2) all kinds of vegetables and edible green leaves, (3) all kinds of pulses, (4) milk, curd, butter milk, (5) dates; honey and jaggery, (6) wheat, rice etc., (7) sprouted pulses and cereals. The Need and Importance of FastingMany ancient scriptures highlight the importance of observing fasts on days and periods of religious importance. The Hindus, the Muslims and the Christians therefore observe fasts on grounds of religion. Fasting is a sort of Tapa, a method of self purification. So, almost all religions of the world emphasize the importance of fasting as a means of individual purity. It is presumed that the control on the sense of taste is the first step towards self-discipline and self-realization. Hot blood, it is said, creates lust, bad temper, greed, jealousy, etc. in man. Fasting has a cooling effect on the blood (not, of course, in the physical sense). That is why, those who observe fasts are usually calm, quiet, balanced and religious minded. During the period of fasting, the mind loses much of its turbulence and submits to discipline. Tapa, meditation and concentration (Dhyana), etc., are much easier during fasting than when one’s belly is full. That is why probably in Sanskrit the word ‘Upavasa’ has been used for abstaining from food. Its literal meaning is “to stay near”, i.e., to stay near God or to reside in His realm. Man does go near Him during fasting partly because of tapa or sell-purification, and partly because of single minded concentration of mind. It is therefore not difficult to understand why all the religions of the world have laid so much emphasis on fasting. |