Mind--Its Mysteries and Control - The Divine Life Society

MIND—ITS MYSTERIES AND CONTROL
When the quality of the mind depends upon the quality of the food taken, it is natural to
insist in the interest of the highest morality upon a kind of Sattvic regimen of diet for those aspirants
who lead a contemplative life and householders who are attempting to lead a spiritual life in the
world. It was because Narada had his impurity destroyed that the venerable Sanatkumara pointed
out to him the way beyond darkness. The way which leads up beyond darkness, therefore, must be
sought for in the purity of food, which involves in its train, the purity of mind.
HARMFUL FOODS
Different foods produce different effects in different compartments of the brain. Spiced
dishes, sour things, black gram, onions, garlic, tea, wine, fish, meat, mustard oil, etc., excite
passions and emotions and should, therefore, be avoided. They should be particularly avoided by a
Sadhaka. A Jijnasu (spiritual aspirant) should strictly give up meat, fish and alcoholic drinks as
these make the mind coarse and produce excitement in the mind. Heavy food brings Tandri
(drowsiness) and Alasya (laziness). Tea should be given up. It destroys Virya. Sugar must be taken
in moderation. It is better if it is given up.
FOOD ITEMS HELPFUL IN MEDITATION
Milk, fruits, almonds, sugar-candy, butter, green oats, Bengal oats (Chenai) soaked in water
overnight, bread, etc., are all helpful in meditation. Thed, a kind of Kandamula found in abundance
in Brahmapuri, Vasishtha Guha and other parts of the Himalayas, is very Sattvic. It helps
meditation. My friend and spiritual brother Swami Purushottamanandaji used to live on that for
some days when he was at Vasishtha Guha, fourteen miles from the reputed Rishikesh.
Sunthi-Sevana (taking powder of dried ginger) is very good for aspirants. It can be taken along with
milk. It refreshes the mind and helps digestion. Yogins take it very often. Triphala water also is
taken by Yogins. It removes constipation, cools the system and stops wet-dreams. Myrobalan or
Haritaki (Harad of the yellow kind) can be chewed by Yogic practitioners very often. It preserves
semen and checks nocturnal discharges. Potatoes boiled without salt or roasted in fire are very
good.
A NOTE OF CAUTION
Evolution is better than revolution. Do not make sudden changes in anything, particularly in
food. Let the change be gradual. The system should accommodate it without any hitch. Natura non
facil saltum (nature never moves by leaps).
A Raja Yogin who wants to control the mind must be able to avoid the two extremes, viz.,
luxury and severe Tamasic Tapas. Too much fasting brings about extreme weakness. You cannot
do any Sadhana. You cannot think. You cannot ratiocinate. Take any food that suits you. Do not
make much fuss about it. Any food that is readily available and that agrees with your system is
harmless.
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