________________
DISCOURSE 72
321
Or we may put it this way. As soon as a jiva enters the
womb of its mother, the first action it does is to consume food. First of all, it consumes the Pudgals of food. Later, its body, its senses, its respiration, its speech are formed. The very first act it does is to consume food. Food is essential for life.
FOOD AND LIFE
Listen to this point with concentration: "We eat to live; we should not live to eat". What is life? The body, the mind, speech and respiration these constitute life. If your body is healthy; if your mind is healthy; if your speech is clear and perfect and if your respiration is regular then there will be happiness in your life. The health of the body and the mind and the capacity to speak and the regularity in respiration depend upon food. If you do not exercise your thoughtfulness in respect of food, these four aspects of your life will be affected. Therefore, this twentieth ordinary principle is of great importance. You must observe this principle in life but this point should be realised by you. I hope you will realise the importance of this point.
www.
* You should not eat the food that does not agree with your constitution.
* You should eat food only when you are hungry.
* You should not eat too much food tempted by its taste. * When you are suffering from indigestion you must not take your food. That means you must fast for some time.
THE DOCTOR RECOMMENDED A REMEDY FOR COUGH
You will observe these principles only if they appeal to your mind and heart. There was a gentleman who was very fond of curds. He was afflicted with asthma. He consulted a doctor. The doctor said to him, "Of course, I will give you medicine but you must stop taking curds". He did not take medicine and his asthma became acute. The people at home prevailed upon him not to consume curds but ignoring their suggestions, he continued to consume curds. His health was
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
