Food for Brahmacharya
Question
Hello...How are you? I'm practicing celibacy for some time now. Is it necessary to make changes in food habits to succeed in chastity?
Answer
Hello Jason, I'm doing well. Nice to see you are on the path of Brahmacharya. Coming to the issue of what sort of food a celibate Brahmachari must take in order to succeed in his path, the following guidelines will serve as pointers:
A Brahmachari must indulge in a balanced, nutritious diet, which is simple and easy to digest. An ideal way of achieving this would be to take adequate amounts of wheat/ corn based, steamed or cooked food for breakfast/lunch and a salad consisting of as many fresh fruits and raw veggies as possible for dinner. You can have a cup of milk in the morning and evening with a cup of yogurt following lunch. Eating moderate amounts of butter and ghee are also suggested.
The basic aim behind such a diet is to reduce the dependence of the mind on the sense of taste as a source of pleasure. It is said that he who controls the tongue develops control over the other sense organs and Brahmacharya becomes easier.
DO AVOID:
1. Spicy, hot, sour and pungent food items and additives.
2. Onion & garlic to the best possible extent.
3. Oily, fatty foods in general (ghee and butter in the raw form, taken in small quantities are exceptions)
4. Fermented or overly seasoned foods (fresh yogurt is an exception)
5. All kinds of meat & eggs.
6. Coffee, tea, aerated drinks, tobacco, alcohol and drugs.
The above foods are to be strictly avoided as they increase the 'Rajasic' and 'Tamasic' tendencies in man, thereby igniting his sensual tendencies.
From my own experience I have realized the fact that shunning the above results in a calmer, brighter and a serene state of mind. It takes a few months of strict practice to realize the benefits and joy one accrues from following a 'sâthvic' diet. With constant effort and commitment, it is really not difficult to achieve the same.
By shifting onto a pure sâthvic diet, one will get better overall physical & mental health. You become more cheerful and less prone to agitation and restlessness. This is very important for a man aiming to win over his animalistic tendencies. Revert for clarifications if any
God bless and have a nice day
Dhananjay