In the current era, which Sant Asaramji Bapu describes as a period of “destruction” (vinash ka yug) for the youth, finding the path to mental peace can be challenging. We live in a time where it is difficult to find “शुद्ध र्दधू” (shuddh doodh—pure milk), “शुद्ध घी” (shuddh ghee—pure ghee), or even pure air. This lack of purity in our environment and nutrition directly impacts our “शुद्ध संस्कार” (shuddh sanskaras—pure values and impressions).
Pujyashree emphasizes that what we consume does not just build our bodies; it shapes our minds and our ability to exercise “संयम” (Sanyam—self-control). A Sattvic diet—one that is pure, disciplined, and spiritualized—is the foundation for a life of health, happiness, and honored character.
Focused Explanation: How Food Influences the Mind
Sant Asaramji Bapu provides a practical and spiritual framework for transforming daily meals into a source of vitality and mental clarity. According to his teachings, the manner in which we eat is as important as what we eat.
1. Spiritualizing the Meal To ensure that food nourishes the soul and the intellect, Bapuji suggests:
• Offering to the Divine: Before eating, one should remember their “गुरुरे्दव या इष्टरे्दव” (Gurudev ya Ishtadev—Guru or chosen Deity) and mentally offer the food to them.
• Reciting Scripture: Reading the fifteenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita before meals is highly recommended to purify the energy of the food.
When food is offered and spiritualized, it becomes a “पुनिदायक टॉनिक” (pushtidayak tonic—nourishing tonic) rather than just physical fuel.
2. The Science of Digestion and Peace Pujyashree offers specific habits to maintain physical health, which in turn preserves mental peace:
• Hydration: Drink lukewarm water in the middle of the meal to aid digestion.
• The Post-Meal Routine: To ensure food is digested quickly and energy is used efficiently, follow this sequence after eating:
◦ Walk for a short distance.
◦ Lie straight on your back for 8 breaths.
◦ Lie on your right side for 16 breaths.
◦ Lie on your left side for 32 breaths. This process helps the body process nutrients without causing the lethargy that often leads to a scattered mind.
3. Strengthening the “Ojas-Tejas” A Sattvic diet also includes specific tonics for the brain and heart. Bapuji recommends washing and soaking 5 to 7 dates (khajur) at night and eating them in the morning to strengthen the brain and heart. Similarly, raisins (kishmish) provide immediate energy and vitality, helping to maintain the “ओज-तेज” (Ojas-Tejas—vital luster and energy) of the youth.
Relevance to Parents Worship Day
The practice of a Sattvic diet is intrinsically linked to the spirit of Matri Pitri Poojan Diwas (Parents Worship Day) on February 14th. Sant Asaramji Bapu warns that the “blind storm of lust” (kaam-vasna ki aandhi) in modern culture traps youth energy in the “lower centers” of the body, leading to blindness and excitement.
By maintaining dietary discipline and self-restraint (Sanyam), youth can protect their energy, allowing it to rise to the “higher centers” of the brain, which fosters “सूझबूझ” (sujh-boojh—insight and understanding). A child who follows these Sattvic habits is physically healthy and mentally calm, making them more receptive to the “शुभ संकल्पमय आशीवायर्द” (shubh sankalpmay ashirwad—auspicious blessings) of their parents.
Key Takeaways
• Pure Sustenance: Seek purity in food (milk and ghee) to protect internal Sanskaras.
• The Gita Connection: Reciting the 15th Chapter of the Gita transforms food into a spiritual tonic.
• Digestive Discipline: Following the specific lying-down positions after meals aids rapid digestion and prevents lethargy.
• Energy Management: Proper diet helps move energy from lower centers of lust to higher centers of love and insight.
• Vrat and Fasts: Observing fasts like Ekadashi enhances physical health, mental strength, and the quality of Sattva.
Conclusion
Sant Asaramji Bapu teaches that a life of greatness is built on easy, daily habits. By choosing a Sattvic diet and eating with a sense of gratitude and divinity, we don’t just feed the body; we cultivate the self-control required to remain “लक्ष्यभेदी” (lakshyabhedi—goal-oriented). As we celebrate Matri Pitri Poojan, let us remember that the food we consume is a sacred offering that should lead us toward peace, health, and deeper devotion to our parents and Guru.