Dietetic Discipline

Dietetic Discipline

The proficient in Yoga should abandon articles of food detrimental to the practice of Yoga. He should give up salt, mustard, sour, hot, pungent and bitter things, asafoetida, worship of fire, women, too much walking, bathing at sunrise, emaciation of the body by fasts, etc. During the early stages of practice, food of milk and ghee is ordained; also food consisting of wheat, green pulse and red rice is said to favour the progress. Then he will be able to retain his breath as long as he likes. By thus retaining the breath as long as he likes Kevala Kumbhaka (cessation of breath without inspiration and expiration) is attained. When Kevala Kumbhaka is attained by one, expiration and inspiration are dispensed with. There is nothing unattainable in the three worlds for him. In the commencement of his practice sweat gets out. As a frog moves by leaps so the Yogi sitting in Padmasana moves on the earth. With a further increased practice, he is able to rise from the ground. He, while seated in lotus-posture, levitates. Then arise in him the power to perform extraordinary feats. Any pain, small or great, does not affect the Yogi. Then excretions and sleep are diminished; tears, rheum in the eyes, salivary flow, sweat and bad smell in the mouth, do not arise in him. With a still further practice, he acquires great strength by which he attains Bhuchara Siddhi which enables him to bring under his control all the creatures that tread on this earth; tigers, Sarabhas, elephants, wild bulls and lions even die by a blow given by the palms of this Yogi. He becomes as beautiful as the God of Love himself. By the preservation of the semen a good odour pervades the body of the Yogi.

MITAHARA

Take wholesome Sattvic food half stomachful. Fill a quarter with pure water. Allow the remaining quarter free for expansion of gas and for propitiating the Lord.

PURITY IN FOOD

“Ahara-suddhau sattva-suddhih, Sattva-suddhau dhruva- smritih, Smritilambhe sarvagranthinam vipramokshah.” By the purity of food, follows the purification of the inner nature; on the purity of the inner nature, the memory becomes firm; and on the strengthening of memory follows the loosening of all ties, and the wise get liberation thereby.

You must not practise Pranayama just after meals. When you are very hungry, then also you must not practise. Go to the water closet and empty the bowels before you begin Pranayama. A Pranayama-practitioner should observe Samyama (control) in food and drink.

Those who are strict and regular in diet derive immense benefits during the course of practice. They get success quickly. Those persons who suffer from chronic constipation and who are in the habit of defecating in the afternoon can practise Pranayama in the early morning without answering the calls of nature. They should try their level best by some means or other to get an evacuation their bowels in the early morning.

Food plays a very important role in Yoga Sadhana. An aspirant should be very, very careful in the selection of articles of diet in the beginning of his Sadhana period. Later on when Pranayama-Siddhi is obtained, drastic dietetic restrictions can be removed.

CHARU

This is a mixture of boiled, white rice, ghee, sugar and milk. This is a wholesome combination for Brahmacharins and Pranayama-practitioners.

MILK DIET

Milk should be scalded but not too much boiled. The process of scalding is that the milk should be immediately removed from the fire as soon as the boiling point is reached. Too much boiling destroys the vitamins, the mysterious nutritive principles and renders it quite useless as an article of diet. Milk is a perfect food by itself, containing as it does the different nutritive constituents in a well-balanced proportion. It leaves very little residue in the bowels. This is an ideal food for Yogic students during Pranayama practice.

FRUIT DIET

A fruit diet exercises a benign, soothing influence on the constitution and is a very desirable diet for Yogins. This is a natural form of diet. Fruits are very great energy-producers. Bananas, grapes, sweet oranges, apples, pomegranates, mangoes, Chikkus (Sapota) and dates are wholesome fruits. Lemons possess anti-scorbutic properties and act as restoratives to blood. Fruit-juice contains vitamin C. Chikkus increase pure blood. Mangoes and milk is a healthy agreeable combination. You can live on mangoes and milk alone. Pomegranate juice is cooling and very nutritious. Bananas are very nutritious and substantial. Fruits help concentration and easy mental focussing.

ARTICLES ALLOWED

Barley, wheat, ghee, milk, almonds promote longevity and increase power and strength. Barley is a fine article of diet for a Yogi and Sadhaka. It is cooling too. Sri Swami Narayan, the author of `Ek Santka Anubhav’, who wears a Kaupin of gunny bag, lives on bread, made up of barley. He recommends barley bread to his disciples. It is said that Emperor Akbar lived upon barley.

You can take wheat, rice, barley, milk, bread, cow’s milk, ghee, sugar, butter, sugar-candy, honey, dried ginger (Soont), green pulse, Moongdal, Panchashaka vegetables, Peypudalai, potatoes, raisins, dates, light Khichdi of green dal. Khichdi is a light food and can be agreeably taken. The food should be reduced in proportion to the increase in Kumbhaka. You must not reduce your food much in the beginning of your practice. You must use your commonsense all throughout the Sadhana. Toor-ki-dal can be taken. The Pancha-Shaka belongs to the species of spinach. They are excellent vegetables; the thick succulent young leaves are boiled and seasoned or fried with ghee. They are five in number, viz., Seendil, Chakravarthi, Ponnangani, Chirukeerai and Valloicharnai keerai. When the Pingala or Suryanadi runs in the right nostril, you must take your food. Suryanadi produces heat. It will digest the food well. You may take jack-fruit, cucumber, brinjal, plantain-stem, lauki, parval and bhindi (lady’s finger).

ARTICLES FORBIDDEN

Highly seasoned dishes, hot curries, chutneys, meat, fishes, chillies, sour articles, tamarind, mustard, all kinds of oil, asafoetida, salt, garlic, onions, urad-ki-dal (black gram), all bitter things, dry foods, black sugar, vinegar, alcohol, sour curd, stale foods, acids, astringents, pungent stuff, roasted things, heavy vegetables, over-ripe or unripe fruits, pumpkins, etc., must be avoided. Meat can make man a scientist, but rarely a Philosopher, Yogi or a Tattva Jnani. Onions and garlic are worse than meat. All food-stuff contain a small quantity of salt. So, even if you do not add salt separately, the system will derive the necessary quantity of salt from other food-stuffs. The giving up salt will not produce deficiency of hydrochloric acid and dyspepsia as allopathic doctors foolishly imagine. Salt excites passion. No ill-effects are produced by the giving up of salt. Mahatma Gandhi and Swami Yogananda had given up salt for over thirteen years. Giving up salt helps you in controlling the tongue and thereby the mind also and in developing will-power too. You will have good health. Sitting before fire, company of women and worldly-minded people, Yatra, long walk, carrying heavy burdens, cold bath in the early morning, harsh words, speaking untruth, dishonest practices, theft, killing animals, Himsa of all kinds either in thought, word or deed, hatred and enmity towards any person, fighting, back-biting, tale-bearing, crookedness, talks other than those of Atman and Moksha, cruelty towards animals and men, too much fasting or eating only once every day, etc., etc., are not allowed for a Pranayama-practitioner.

Dietetic Discipline: The Foundation of Health and Spiritual Living

Dietetic Discipline is an essential principle in yoga and spiritual life, emphasizing mindful eating, moderation, and purity in daily food habits. Ancient yogic teachings explain that the quality of food directly influences the body, mind, and emotions. A balanced and wholesome diet not only supports physical health but also improves concentration, emotional stability, and spiritual awareness. Eating with mindfulness and self-control helps maintain harmony within the body while creating the ideal foundation for meditation and Sadhana. Devotional India encourages readers to adopt healthy dietary habits as an important part of a balanced and meaningful life.

Understanding Dietetic Discipline begins with recognizing that food is more than a source of physical nourishment. Every meal influences energy levels, mental clarity, and emotional well-being. Yogic philosophy recommends fresh, natural, and nutritious foods that promote vitality and calmness. At the same time, moderation is considered equally important because overeating can lead to physical discomfort and mental dullness. Mindful eating allows individuals to appreciate food with gratitude while avoiding unnecessary excess.

One of the greatest benefits of Dietetic Discipline is the improvement of overall health. A balanced diet rich in wholesome foods supports digestion, strengthens immunity, and provides sustained energy throughout the day. Healthy eating habits also contribute to better sleep, improved concentration, and greater physical endurance. When combined with regular exercise, yoga, and proper rest, a disciplined approach to nutrition helps maintain long-term wellness. Devotional India reminds readers that caring for the body is an important responsibility on the spiritual path.

Another important aspect of Dietetic Discipline is its influence on the mind. Ancient yogic teachings explain that pure and balanced food encourages calmness, clarity, and emotional stability. On the other hand, unhealthy eating habits may contribute to restlessness and reduced concentration. Eating slowly, chewing food properly, and avoiding unnecessary distractions during meals help develop mindfulness. Gratitude before eating also creates a positive mental attitude and strengthens awareness of the blessings received through nature.

The practice of Dietetic Discipline also supports meditation and spiritual growth. A light and balanced diet helps the body remain comfortable during meditation while reducing feelings of heaviness or fatigue. Yogic practitioners often emphasize moderation because excessive eating can make spiritual practice more difficult. Along with healthy food choices, maintaining regular meal times and avoiding waste are considered valuable aspects of disciplined living. Devotional India highlights that self-control in eating strengthens self-control in other areas of life as well.

Developing Dietetic Discipline requires patience, awareness, and consistency. Small changes in daily habits often produce lasting results over time. Choosing nutritious meals, drinking sufficient water, eating at regular times, and avoiding unnecessary indulgence help improve both physical and mental well-being. Reading inspiring spiritual teachings and practicing gratitude before meals further deepen the connection between nourishment and spiritual awareness. Every meal becomes an opportunity to cultivate mindfulness and appreciation.

Ancient saints and yogic masters have always regarded Dietetic Discipline as an important support for meditation, health, and self-realization. They taught that a disciplined diet purifies the body, steadies the mind, and strengthens spiritual practice. Combined with prayer, pranayama, ethical living, and selfless service, healthy eating contributes to a balanced and harmonious life. As individuals develop greater awareness of their food choices, they also cultivate gratitude, moderation, and inner peace. Devotional India continues to preserve these timeless teachings to inspire seekers toward healthier living and spiritual fulfillment.

In conclusion, Dietetic Discipline is a valuable practice that promotes physical vitality, mental clarity, emotional balance, and spiritual growth. Through mindful eating, wholesome nutrition, moderation, and gratitude, individuals create a strong foundation for a healthy and peaceful life. Every meal becomes an opportunity to nourish both the body and the soul. Devotional India encourages every seeker to embrace Dietetic Discipline as a lifelong habit that supports wellness, wisdom, self-control, and lasting inner harmony.