MIND MYSTERIES & CONTROL - 4. MIND & FOOD - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Mind: Its Mysteries & Control

THE MIND: ITS MYSTERIES AND CONTROL - 4. MIND and FOOD - Sri Swami Sivananda - Complete Works with FULL English Translation of all Sanskrit Words.

In The Mind: Its Mysteries and Control, Sri Swami Sivananda explores the profound relationship between the mind and the food we consume. Chapter 4, "Mind and Food," delves into how food influences mental states, spiritual growth, and overall purity of being. With insights rooted in ancient scriptures and practical yogic wisdom, Sivananda emphasizes that food is not merely a source of physical sustenance but a pivotal factor shaping the mind and spiritual progress. 

Mind is Made of Food
Swami Sivananda draws from Upanishadic philosophy to assert that the mind is subtly derived from food. The scriptures explain that food is transformed in three ways:

1. Gross elements become excrement.
2. Medium-density elements contribute to the formation of flesh.
3. Subtle essence ascends to nourish and form the mind.

This idea illustrates the interconnectedness of physical nourishment and mental faculties. The analogy of curd turning into butter through churning aptly describes how the finest part of food transforms into the mind. This intrinsic relationship underscores that the mind is material in nature and shaped by the physical inputs it receives.

Quality of Mind Depends on Quality of Food
The composition of food directly affects the mind’s state. Pure, light, and nutritious food calms the mind, enabling spiritual progress. Conversely, impure and heavy food agitates or dulls mental faculties. Sivananda contrasts the aggressive nature of a tiger, sustained on meat, with the docile disposition of a cow, nourished by grass, to illustrate this principle. For spiritual aspirants, diet is critical. Pure and sattvic foods, such as fruits and milk, create mental clarity and facilitate meditation. Foods that are heavy, intoxicating, or overly stimulating hinder concentration and increase restlessness. The Bhagavad Gita’s classification of food into sattvic (pure), rajasic (restless), and tamasic (dull) categories aligns with this perspective, emphasizing the importance of choosing foods that uplift the mind and spirit. 

Harmful Foods and Their Effects
Sivananda warns against specific foods and substances that excite passions or dull the mind. These include:

• Spicy dishes
• Sour foods
• Meat and fish
• Alcohol
• Tea and coffee

Such items stimulate the lower instincts, making it difficult to control the mind or achieve spiritual focus. Heavy and rich foods, in particular, induce lethargy, while intoxicants create agitation. Spiritual seekers are advised to avoid these, as they obstruct mental and spiritual clarity.

Foods Beneficial for Meditation
Sattvic foods play a vital role in supporting meditation and spiritual practice. Recommended foods include:

• Milk
• Fruits
• Almonds
• Sugar-candy
• Potatoes (boiled or roasted)
• Simple whole grains

Sivananda also mentions specific yogic practices to enhance digestion and mental clarity, such as consuming powdered dried ginger with milk and using Triphala to purify the system. These dietary habits help maintain vitality while promoting the mental stillness required for meditation.

Gradual Dietary Changes
Sivananda advises caution in altering one’s diet. Sudden changes can disrupt the body and mind, while gradual adjustments allow for smooth adaptation. He encourages a balanced approach, avoiding extremes of indulgence or severe austerity. For those practicing Raja Yoga or other spiritual disciplines, maintaining a healthy, moderate diet is essential. Fasting or dietary deprivation, if overdone, can weaken the body and impair the mind’s ability to focus on spiritual practices. The ideal approach is to consume foods that are readily...