Chapter XVIII DIET It is good that you are observing strict dietary regulations
which is one of the basic prerequisites.
You will appreciate that for obtaining a refined state of mind, one is required
to adapt himself or herself to refined vegetarian, simple and nutritious diet,
for maintaining the physical body in a normal state. ______________________ It is gratifying to note that you health is improving and that
you have lost some weight. Useful
combinations of fruit and vegetables coupled with light physical exercise
should help you to have a slim and smart physical. ______________________ Regarding laxity in the prescribed diet, I wish to say to all
aspirants on the Path that it is necessary so long as one is in the physical
body, vegetarianism should be strictly adhered to. Any relaxation in the matter of diet would not only be a definite
hindrance in meditation but would unnecessarily contract karmic reaction. The real Goal is to use every means possible
to rise into full God-consciousness. ______________________ It is the moral duty of the housewife to cook the pure foods with
her heart engrossed in sweet temem-brance of the Lord. All food cooked in this manner with the mind entrenched in the
Beloved and the hands engaged in the work, becomes a Manna from Heaven and
proves a blessing to those who partake of it. ______________________ It must be borne in mind that restriction to pure vegetarian diet
is of utmost necessity. Any
transgression in this respect is liable to affect you spiritual progress
adversely. The prohibited food flares up carnal desires other than
contracting karmic debt. Both are
highly detrimental and should be avoided scrupulously. I hope you are abiding by all of the rules
and that you take my advice in proper perspective in the larger interests of
your spiritual progress. ______________________ You state that you are healthy now and the doctor advises you not
to live on meat. You also state that
while away on business you have to oblige your friends by partaking some
chicken. In this connection, I would
like to remind you that the eating of liver and fish will definitely stand in
the way of your spiritual progress without in any way helping you in your illness
or in any way extending your lifespan.
‘Thy days are numbered,’ is a well known aphorism. So why unnecessarily create karmic debts
which you may easily avoid? You had better avoid these. It would be much better if you could
influence your friend rather than be influenced by him, for you know for
certain things of which he may be ignorant.
So in such cases, behave lovingly with others and abstain from taking
the prohibited foods. In this lies your
benefit. ______________________ You are correct in your idea to take very light evening meals, as
this is most helpful to early morning meditation. Most initiates on the holy path have preferred to take very light
meals for the evening, which should be taken early before going to sleep. Soami Ji has often stressed the importance
of dispensing with night meals for those who wish to enjoy the deep bliss of
the holy Shabd. You may, however, do as
best as you can in this matter. |