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meditation and other similar forms of Sadhana.
4. Having control over food, posture (Asana) and sleep and having acquired the self-knowledge of pure Atma from an enlightened preceptor, practice meditation on one's true self. 5. One lives not to eat but eats to live.
6. Overeating is much more injurious to health than under eating. 7. Excessive food now and again indicates an animal instinct like that of a pig. A person of discrimination, who has a vision of spiritual activity in the life (Sadhana) will surely not indulge in this low animal instinct.
MODERATION IN FOOD
LIVING EXAMPLES OF MODERATE FOOD
(1) Lord Curzon was then the Viceroy of India during the British rule. Sir Gurudas Benerjee was then a judge at the Calcutta Highcourt. Once Gurudas attended a meeting as a member of the Calcutta University Commission. He was returning in the viceroy's special train. When the train reached Kanpur, the Viceroy called him to his own compartment for some discussion. Then it was time for lunch and he asked him to join with him for lunch.
He replied, "Usually I do not take food on a train. I take only water. I prepare my food after taking bath."
The Viceroy insisted for lunch, but Gurudas did not give
in.
The Viceroy then declared, "The train will halt at Prayaga station. You will then take your bath and prepare whatever food you desire. Only then will the train continue its journey."
This was done. Gurudas and his son prepared rice and curry and took their meal. Only then did the train start for Calcutta. In our modern society, there is lack of moderation in matters of food and drink. If we adopt habits of moderate and healthy food, except in unavoidable circumstances, our Sadhana will acquire momentum.
(2) The Emperor of Iran, Bahaman once inquired of his physician, "How much should be our daily intake of food ?"
"Twenty six tolas (about three quarter of pound)." "So little ? How is this beneficial ?"
"You can live with this much food. The excess of food is an unnecessary burden on the body."
MITAHARA
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