Have you ever thought that the food you eat may be the secret to deeper meditation? Here's a food guide designed exclusively to help meditators go deeper.
Have you ever had one of those days where you sit to meditate but you feel sleepy or are bombarded by nothing other than a zillion thoughts? Do you find yourself thinking about what to do? Generally, what you eat can be one of the reasons why you find it difficult to meditate. Let's look at how food plays an important role in determining if a meditation experience is good or not so good.
You Are What You Eat
Once upon a time in India, there lived three friends, Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. They were very close to each other but very different in nature.
Tamas was inclined to rest but easily fall into laziness. He would lie all day, lethargic, and did not work. But he was very active at feeding time; he ate all kinds of meat and heavy food.
Rajas was focused on action, but he was very restless, with many thoughts in his mind and many tasks in his hands at the same time. With regard to food, he was a fan of hot and spicy foods, and sweets made with a lot of sugar.
The wisest among them was Sattva. He was a natural balance between calm and enthusiasm. He was extremely careful with his diet and ate only what was necessary for his body. Freshly cooked green vegetables and grains and fruits and juices were part of his main diet. So he remained healthy, light, and energetic throughout the day (unlike his friend Tamas), and was also able to think clearly and logically.
Which of the three friends do you like and who among them would you like to be best friends with? Well, all three are already part of your life, your friends—Tamas helps you have good sleep at night, Rajas keeps you active during the day, and Sattva keeps your energy high. But of the three, make Sattva your best friend so you can accept his qualities in your life. The higher the Sattva, the deeper your meditation. Choose your food wisely and clear the way for a blissful meditation experience.
Choose Your Diet According to Your Character Type
Each body type has a unique natural constitution composed of vata, pitta, and kapha. Knowing which of these you are can help you change your eating habits to stay healthy and balanced, and also have deeper meditation.
| Your habits | Personality Type | What to eat | What to avoid |
| ♦ Sit hungry at any time of the day and night ♦ Lively and constantly restless ♦ Speak fast | You may be vata | Fruits - banana, orange, and peach Vegetables - asparagus, fresh peas, and okra (cooked with mild spices and olive oil) grãos - oatmeal or whole grain rice and flour thoroughly cooked - small amounts of milk, cheese fresh yogurt, buttermilk, and butter are permissible | Fruits -- Dried fruits that are not soaked, raw apples and melons, and raw salads, because they increase dryness and cause constipation and indigestion vegetais- broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, as they cause gas Pulses - beans are hard to digest; chickpeas and red beans to be avoided Sweeteners- white sugar Spices - red and green pepper |
| ♦ Sit hungry at dinner, especially if you are half an hour late. ♦ Live by your watch (usually an expensive commodity) and regret having your time wasted. ♦ Wake at night feeling hot and thirsty. ♦ Take charge of a situation or feel you should. | You may be pitta | Fruits - grapes, coconut, and avocado Vegetables - Asparagus, cauliflower, and cabbage Beans - flour, rice, and barley Dairy products - fresh milk, butter, and buttermilk. | Fruits- sour fruits Grains- white flour (pizza and white bread) Sweeteners - white sugar Seasonings - pickles, spices, spicy or bitter salads, sauces, vinegar, and green and red pepper |
| ♦ Think long before making a decision. ♦ Wake slowly and like to stay in bed for long ♦ Be happy with the status quo and perseveres to pacify others ♦ Search for emotional food. ♦ Has graceful movements and a gentle walk even when overweight. | You may be kapha | Fruits - lemon, apple, and pomegranate Vegetables - pumpkin, beets, and green leafy vegetables Grains- corn and millet Dairy- goat's milk and unsalted buttermilk Spices- all spices are good, and ginger is the best. | Grains- white flour (bread, pizza, and pastries) Dairy products- yogurt Sweeteners- white sugar |
5 quick tips to make your meditation deeper
- Switch to vegetarianism - It is healthy and also makes meditation easier
- Eat more fresh fruits and green vegetables - Include high fiber foods in your diet
- Drink plenty of water - It is good to consume at least two liters of water every day. Prefer fruit juices to carbonated beverages
- Eat the right amount - It is not a good idea to eat too much because a very full stomach makes meditation difficult
- Have a sattvic diet - Higher sattva helps to have a deeper experience of meditation
Note: To learn about your own body constitution (Prakriti) and receive personal guidance on appropriate food for deeper meditation, consult a doctor from Sri Sri Ayurveda and get your Nadi Pariksha (an ancient method of pulse diagnosis) done. Eat well, live well, and meditate well.
Inspired by the knowledge of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
