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eating a sweet in comparison to the effect of taking a very small dose of opium. In this way, you can see for yourself how the mind is affected by what the person ingests. These are extreme examples, with noticeable effects. But even when the effect is subtle and barely noticeable, we are nevertheless affected by the
food we consume.
A great yogi, Bhupendranath Ji Sanyal's thoughts on pure diet:
It is preferable to always avoid the consumption of flesh and fish. This is because in the very cells of these animals there might be bad diseases. But even more significantly, the natural vibration of these creatures is absorbed into the blood. This can create agitation and even sickness, and will destroy the natural calmness of the mind. Also, one must not take intoxicants, as this is a great breach of the spiritual path and natural duty (dharma). [Under the influence of intoxicants people are unable to discern the right path of action./
Therefore, we must be disciplined in what we eat and drink, and by being disciplined, our wealth and spiritual path are protected. This world becomes agreeable, and so does the next world, since we are not incurring the karmas from killing other living beings. When a person leaves an immoral lifestyle to practice a moral life, he will not only better his own life, but also, his family and community will be favorably influenced.
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