Which is the best food for spiritual aspirants?

[saisaran]

In almost all scriptures of Hinduism and Buddhism and Jainism, the importance of vegetarianism is highlighted. Swami has emphasized this point  to many a sadhakas. When western devotees have queried about the importance of  meat protein etc., Swami has clarified that animal food will develop into  animal qualities in human beings.  The classification of food  into "Satwa, Rajas and Thamas is finely done in "Bagawat Gita". Here the importance of 'proper materials, proper utensils, the quality of the cook who prepares the food is given much importance. In the villages in ancient days,the house wives used to sing the glory of the Lord while preparing the food. The subtle vibrations created by Divine names pervade the food and make it holy and wholesome.In addition, there is one more condition. The source of raw materials that goes in the making of the food. Swami  narrated  a  chinna katha to highlight this point. An ascetic was invited to a rich man's house for supper. Every  thing went  on well and after eating the food, the ascetic  had a peculiar thought of coveting a silver vessel which was  used in the serving of the food. The ascetic could not suppress this strange  thought. He enquired the rich man, the source of food materials, the reason for the supper etc. The rich man was astonished  at the  detailed   questions from the ascetic and he furnished  the details. It is  found that the rich man has usurped a property of a poor person which has  resulted in the peculiar thought of the ascetic, who ate the food. Hence, it is  vital that  cleanliness  of the  utensils, holy  thoughts  while  preparing the food,  the collection of raw materials from an honest  source etc are  very much important. In fact vegetarian food contains all the nourishment  needed for our body and mind. Hence if we are intent on our spiritual welfare, we should eat such foods which neither kindles our passions  nor dulls our mind. Fruits, a little milk, butter milk and grains etc constitute satwic or peaceful  food.  Hot dishes, chillies, too much salt or oily  foods(fried ones) are considered "Rajasic" or passion kindling foods. Onions, garlic and spices and old foods create  dullness  and  induce  sleep or demeaning thoughts. Hence they must be avoided by spiritual aspirants. Sairam.

[shinyallard]

Spiritual aspirants should certainly take plain vegetarian food, as swami dislikes killing the animals. People should not eat meat. This will keep their mind undisturbed.