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Purifying the mind is essential not only for spiritual growth but also for living a peaceful and happy life. Much of our suffering stems from the impurities within our minds. Emotions like anger, jealousy, and fear cloud our peace. These emotions create mental attachments and aversions that trap us in cycles of negativity. Though breaking free is challenging, it’s not impossible.

One way to purify the mind is through the food we eat. What we consume doesn't just nourish our bodies—it influences our minds. Ancient Hindu teachings suggest that food transforms in three ways: the grossest part becomes waste, the middle part forms flesh, and the subtlest part nourishes the mind. This means that what we eat plays a crucial role in shaping our thoughts and emotions.

A story from the Upanishads illustrates this concept. Sage Uddalaka taught his son, Svetaketu, about how food impacts the mind. He explained that just as the finest part of churned milk becomes butter, the subtlest part of food nourishes the mind. To demonstrate this, Uddalaka asked his son to fast for 15 days, allowing only water. At the end of the fast, Svetaketu could no longer recite the Vedas, which he previously knew well. After eating again, his memory returned. This experiment showed how closely linked food and mind are.

In Hinduism, Sattvic foods—fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and herbal teas—are recommended for mental clarity and peace. These foods are light, nutritious, and easy to digest. While following this diet strictly may not always be practical, sticking to these principles most of the time can benefit both mind and body.

On the other hand, Rajasic foods, like spicy or sour dishes, coffee, and alcohol, are said to increase restlessness and disrupt mental harmony. Tamasic foods, including fried, processed, or leftover foods, create confusion and lethargy, leading to an unhealthy mind.

A powerful example of food affecting emotions is when animals sense impending death. A chicken, for instance, feels fear before being slaughtered, and this fear becomes part of its body. When one eats the meat, he unknowingly absorbs this fear, which can later manifest as irrational anxieties.

Alcohol and drugs also harm the mind, offering only short-term pleasure but causing long-term damage. Many lives have been ruined as these substances take control, turning people into slaves to their addictions.

I don’t strictly follow a Sattvic diet but avoid non-vegetarian food and alcohol most of the time. Initially, these choices were influenced by my upbringing, but now I consciously avoid them because I understand how they affect my mind. Everyone is free to make their own choices, but I encourage you to make them consciously. Experiment and observe how your choices impact your mind and emotions.

If you seek peace and freedom from emotional suffering, purifying the mind through the right food and mental discipline is a powerful step forward.

Quote of the week

Spiritual Wisdom

Self-discipline is essential for thriving in both the material and spiritual realms. Establishing a routine helps you maintain focus and control over your mind. Training yourself to complete a few tasks each day prevents your thoughts from wandering and wasting energy. Even small, consistent actions can lead to significant progress and success.

I recommend...

YouTube video - Teach Your Mind How To Think by Sister Shivani (Hindi) (20 mins video)

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Book - Ashtavakra Samhita by Swami Nityaswarupananda

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