________________
ASPIRANT'S GUIDE
Persons who have to take challenging and important decisions; who cannot take rest at noon; who have the responsibility to look after the efficient functioning of a whole department like directors and managers of large companies and banks, eminent doctors and surgeons, and others, take only moderate food at noon. This is because experience has taught them that if they take a full lunch, their efficiency in work suffers. It is thus proved that the general alertness of the body, the state of the stomach and the process of thinking, pondering and giving important verdicts are closely inter-related. Simple, healthy food with less use of oil and spices, which can be easily digested, is ideal for the Sadhaka. Digestion of sweets and items with excessive oil or fat is difficult to digest and takes a longer time. These foods remain in the stomach for a prolonged period and make it heavy for several hours. Thus, generally speaking the activity of self-study and meditation cannot be undertaken satisfactorily after taking a heavy food.
For an average Sadhaka, simplicity in food will help in maintaining moderation in food. When food is very tasty, heavy and to one's liking, moderation in food is difficult to uphold and overeating is most likely to occur.
High protein cereals and lentils, rice, bread, vegetables, milk, curd, buttermilk, fruits, and similar items are healthy and nourishing. Being simple, these foods do not excite the tongue and being easy to digest, there is no heaviness of the stomach; the result being that no idleness is caused. Moderation in food can be well-maintained easily by such food.
Excessive food spoils general health and creates difficulty in the observance of celibacy and other restraints. If one does not consume heavy indigestible foods, the practice of celibacy will be easy. Non-vegetarian food, onions, garlic, and unknown foods should be discarded outright by the Sadhaka, as they are not conducive to the peaceful life of spiritual Sadhana.
GLORY OF MODERATION IN FOOD
1. Regulated food habits are helpful in conquering the mind. 2. For a person, moderate in food, all sorrows are dispelled by the Sadhana of Yoga.
3. Moderate food is greatly beneficial in austerity, self-study,
166
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
SADHAK-SATHI
www.jainelibrary.org
