Foods that are nutritionally worthless, insipid, putrid, stale, refuse, and impure are enjoyed by tamasic persons. A tamasic diet has a malignant effect on the body and the mind, Guruji explained, and dulls all aspirations for spiritual growth. Among the most tamasic foods commonly consumed in modern society are the meats of higher forms of animal life, especially beef and pork and products made from them. Both chemically and vibrationally, these are highly injurious to the body and the spiritual nature of man. Guruji used to tell devotees that if they felt they had to eat some meat it is better to take fish or fowl. and avoid all beef and pork.
Paramahansaji (Yogananda) advised that it is best to avoid eating red meat, and he gave some specific reasons for this. He predicted long ago that science would one day prove that the consumption of red meat can contribute to a host of diseases in the body. This has been borne out by numerous research studies in recent years. He also pointed out that those who consume animal flesh have to fight not only the disease it may cause in their own bodies but also any illness harbored by the creatures they eat. Further, when animals are led to slaughter, they experience tremendous fear. If you visit a stockyard sometime and watch them kill the animals there, you will see the violent fear that is created in them. This fear causes certain toxic substances to be released in their systems, which are then transmitted to someone who eats that flesh.
Foods such as red meat, and pork which retain the vibrations of pain, fear, and anger of the dying animal, and denatured foods, which have had their natural properties destroyed through slaughtering, improper methods and cooking, are irritating and disturbing to the equilibrium of the mind and rob it of its birthright: the power to awaken and direct the life energy to heal any part of the body. Whereas food itself cannot heal, natural foods indirectly produce health by keeping the mind calm, thus permitting the normal flow of life energy to proceed unobstructed. Unnatural, improperly prepared, and gross foods have the opposite effect. Is there any wonder why there is so much illness.
For persons who can assimilate them without difficulty, natural foods such as raw fruit, vegetables, and nuts have a harmonious and strengthening effect on the mind, and permit the life energy to flow unimpeded through the body.
The nerves are the main pathways of life force in the body. They correspond to the subtler and more intricate nadis of the astral body. Many nerve passages are “clogged up” or impaired in the ordinary man’s body, owing to bodily toxins from an unnatural diet from denatured foods; also, the life force in nerves engaged in enjoying sense objects becomes matter-bent. The flow of the life force is from the brain to the senses, a descent that attracts the consciousness to material objects. These outward-bent nerve impulses and energies and their gross state of sense entanglement are contrary to soul perception.
Yogis therefore advise proper diet, postures, and Kriya Yoga to purify the nerves so that they become Spirit-bent channels, leading the consciousness away from the senses. By asanas, mudras, control of life force, chanting, prayers, penetrating the mind and life energy through the seven cerebrospinal centers, concentration on the Infinite, and deep devotion, one can purify the body, mind, and heart to serve as receptacles of the Infinite.
Learn This
Poor posture constricts the healthy flow of the life energy in the various body parts and vital organs. The best posture is chest out, shoulders back, stomach and abdomen in, and buttocks tucked under. Don’t stand with a swayback or with hunched shoulders. Don’t sit in a slumped position with the spine out of alignment, hampering breathing and the free flow of life energy in the spine. Psychologically, a hunched posture suggests a defeatist attitude. Always sit and stand erect. Be master of yourself, with your mind on the Infinite power within and around you. From the teachings of P. Yogananda.
