This chapter is the English translation of Gujarati Book
               Title   -  Sadhak and Sathi
               Author  -  Shri Atmanandji (Dr. Soneji)





      CHAPTER 29

      MODERATION IN FOOD

      (MITAHARA)


      Taking food in proportion to one's hunger or even a little less
      is regarded as moderation in food.  Let us, from a practical
      point of view, accept that moderate food is the one which after
      consumption does not interfere with physical and mental work.

      Philosophers and saints have unanimously accepted the intimate
      relation between moderation in food and spiritual life.  Modern
      anatomy has also shown the intimate relation between the nervous
      system and the stomach.

      Persons who have to take challenging and important decisions;
      who cannot take rest at noon; who have the responsibility to
      look after the efficient functioning of a whole department like
      directors and managers of large companies and banks, eminent
      doctors and surgeons, and others, take only moderate food at
      noon.  This is because experience has taught them that if they
      take a full lunch, their efficiency in work suffers.  It is thus
      proved that the general alertness of the body, the state of the
      stomach and the process of thinking, pondering and giving
      important verdicts are closely inter- related.

      Simply, healthy food with less use of oil and spices, which can
      be easily digested, is ideal for the Sadhaka.  Digestion of
      sweets and items with excessive oil or fat is difficult and
      takes a longer time.  These foods remain in the stomach for a
      prolonged period and make it heavy for hours.  Thus, generally
      speaking the activity of self-study and meditation cannot be
      undertaken satisfactorily after taking a heavy food.

      For an average Sadhaka, simplicity in food will help in
      maintaining moderation in food.  When food is very tasty, heavy
      and to one's liking, moderation in food is difficult to uphold
      and overeating is most likely to occur.

      High protein cereals and lentils, rice, bread, vegetables, milk,
      yogurt, buttermilk, fruits, and similar items are healthy and
      nourishing.  Being simple, these foods do not excite the tongue
      and being easy to digest, there is no heaviness of the stomach;
      the result being that no idleness is caused.  Moderation in food
      can be maintained well and easily by such food.

      Excessive food spoils general health and creates difficulty in
      the observance of celibacy and other restraints.  If one does
      not consume heavy indigestible foods, the practice of celibacy
      will be easy.  Non-vegetarian food, onions, garlic, and unknown
      foods should be discarded outright by the Sadhaka, as they are
      not conducive to the peaceful life of spiritual activity
      (Sadhana).

      GLORY OF MODERATION IN FOOD:

      1. Regulated food habits are helpful in conquering the mind.

      2. For a person, moderate in food, all sorrows are dispelled by
         the Sadhana of Yoga.

      3. Moderate food is greatly beneficial in austerity, self-study,
         meditation and other similar forms of Sadhana.

      4. Having control over food, posture (Asana) and sleep and
         having acquired the self knowledge of pure Atma from an
         enlightened preceptor, practice meditation on one's true
         self.

      5. One lives not to eat but eats to live.

      6. Overeating is much more injurious to health than under
         eating.

      7. Excessive food now and again indicates an animal instinct
         like that of a pig.  A person of discrimination, who has a
         vision of spiritual activity in the life (Sadhana) will
         surely not indulge in this low animal instinct.


      LIVING EXAMPLES OF MODERATE FOOD

      (1)

      Lord Curzon was then the Viceroy of India during the when
      England ruled India.  Sir Gurudas Benerjee was then a judge at
      the Calcutta Highcourt.  Once Gurudas attended a meeting as a
      member of the Calcutta University Commission.  He was returning
      in the viceroy's special train.  When the train reached Kanpur,
      the Viceroy called him to his own compartment for some
      discussion.  Then it was time for lunch and he asked him to join
      with him for lunch.

      He replied, "Usually I do not take food on a train.  I take
      only water. I prepare my food after taking bath."

      The Viceroy insisted for lunch, but Gurudas did not give in.

      The Viceroy then declared, "The train will halt at Prayaga
      station.  You will then take your bath and prepare whatever food
      you desire.  Only then will the train continue its journey."

      This was done.  Gurudas and his son prepared rice and curry and
      took their meal.  Only then did the train start for Calcutta.

      In our modern society, there is lack of moderation in matters of
      food and drink.  If we adopt habits of moderate and healthy food
      except in unavoidable circumstances, our Sadhana will acquire
      momentum.


      (2)

      The Emperor of Iran, Bahaman once inquired of his physician,
      "How much should be our daily intake of food?"

      "Twenty six tolas (about three quarter of pound)."

      "So little?  How is this beneficial?"

      "You can live with this much food.  The excess of food is an
      unnecessary burden on the body."

      Food taken in excess of the quantity that we can digest
      increases only fat.  It can not generate and enhance virility,
      delight and the span of life.  Serious thought should be give to
      this in modern days.  Scientifically also, moderation in food is
      advantageous specially for those who are physically less active.