Today, the way we think moulds our personality and shapes our life. Our ability to think sets us apart from animals. When we come to know that our thoughts are so important, then, what is the prime factor that decides what kind of thoughts we have? Vedic seers and sages from times immemorial have clearly advocated that thoughts generated by the intellect form the very basis of human beings and the scriptures tells us that our thoughts depend on the food we eat. Some of us may find this very surprising.
Let us delve a little more into this. It is our biological functions that prompt us to eat when we are hungry. The whole beauty is that the intellect derives its own nourishment from the food we eat. The energy from the food goes not only to our physical body, but also to our brain through blood and oxygen. The brain which is the reservoir of the intellect, then automatically generates thought after thought, keeping us mentally occupied. We unfortunately, misunderstand it to be an idea after an idea.
The type of food and the quality of food we eat decides the kind of thoughts we have. If our food consists of meat and other oily and greasy food, then it takes a long time to digest. Such food generates sloth and inertia (Tamas) in us and dulls our brain. Such food diverts most of the blood to the stomach to digest, thereby depriving blood and oxygen to the brain, which, in turn dulls our intellect making us feel very sleepy and lethargic.
This hard hitting fact makes our thinking very slow and dull. Such slow and dull thinking leads to lack of confidence, doubt and suspicion predominantly. This kind of thinking generates innumerable troubles and conflicts in our life which are very hard to resolve.
When our food is laced with a lot of spices, onion, garlic and pungent foods (Hyper - Rajasic), in order to satisfy our taste buds, then the intellect, acting through the brain, pumps out a stream of hyper and revolting thoughts, bringing out anger, fury and obsessions and lot of expectations. This is totally contrary to the very purpose of our life i.e. to always be happy, confident and peaceful. Eating hyper active foods induces thoughts that are very basal and repulsive. This induces a lot of frustrations and we always feel that life most of the time is very difficult to manage. Remember, thoughts leads to actions and actions lead to reactions.
However, if we make our food mild, soft and pure (Satvic) that consists of moderate carbs, low fats, moderate fibre and decreased salt intake such as cereals, pulses, fruits, vegetables, sprouted grains, skimmed milk and so on and when cooked moderately, then soft, pure, divine, subtle energy is released from within us. To the brain, the intellect churns out benevolent, selfless, sublime, peaceful thoughts making our lives pristine through gentle and pure actions.
When you are a seeker and especially when you want to experience divine, sublime and subtle energy oozing out from the power of your soul, you will have to generate such powerful thoughts which prompt and motivate you to seek and touch base with your Soul through spiritual sadhana. Then, you will establish yourself in tranquillity, contentment, serenity and peace by synchronising your vibrations to harmonise with the Cosmic Energy, which is the source of all creation. This will lead you to engage yourself in actions for your own well being and for others as well, without any expectations.
The right kind of food makes you to remember the Awareness of your Soul through purposeful thoughts. For a powerful seeker, the quality of meditation is very important. For quality meditation, you should have powerful concentration. Quality meditation helps you get connected with your soul - your creator itself.
Give importance to the nature and the quality of food you eat for a nice, tranquil, pure meditative and creative state always.
(This article has been written by Nimishananda Guruji. For more details visit www.shrinimishamba.org)