It doesn’t need the help of rocket scientists to understand that in spite of all our modern day advancement, why do we still have newer diseases, shorter life spans, more stress and more cases of chronic diseases? This is a very important question to be mulled over and researched upon. The so-called medicinal research is only making people more and more dependent on chemicals with major or unknown side-effects. The only ones who seem to be benefitting at all times in this race for healthy living are the big industries and business houses with multi-million dollar marketing budgets.

So how do we get out of this vicious cycle? What’s the way out? Firstly, we need to understand what we are dealing with, where we are incorrect and then we can figure how to set right the course.

On the gross level, we need to understand that the overall duration of our lives or the quality of the same is being shortened right under our nose. This is not because of insufficient food but due to our irregular habits. By keeping regular habits and eating simple food, any man can maintain his health. On the subtle level, our consciousness needs to be amended for us to experience real freedom. Right consciousness is the root of our happiness and fixing this fundamental issue can help us restructure our lives and restore all the joy that we truly deserve, but have given up without knowing. This reformation will invariably and directly influence our physical health and well-being.

It is said by great, learned sages that overeating, over-indulgence, over-dependence on another’s mercy, and artificial standards of living sap the very vitality of human energy. And to maintain all these, we put ourselves under constant stress and achievement pressures which work like slow poison to shorten the duration of our life.

Tongue is the principle sense and a person must endeavor to watch what he consumes. Ayurveda recommends Sāttvika-āhāra or foodstuffs in the mode of goodness. These are described in the Vedic medical texts as items like wheat, rice, vegetables, fruits, milk, sugar, and milk products. Simple foods like rice, dhal, capātīs, vegetables, milk and sugar constitute a balanced diet, If one can learn the art and science of making tasty and sumptuous food items with these ingredients, and regulate his eating habits, he will live healthy for a long time.

End of story? Unfortunately no! Here is where the problem is. People in general are so accustomed to so many bad habits, that it is hard for them to accept any change. For want of those bad habits, they think it is impossible to live. Not only an ordinary man but people from all walks of life are addicted to harmful lifestyles and food habits – what with many fast food and junk food chains mushrooming all over the world. There is a story of a very influential man, the Marquis of Zetland. He once asked a spiritual person, “Can you make me a spiritually enlightened person?” So the elderly man said, “Yes, it is not very difficult. If you give up these four primary bad habits—intoxication, illicit sex life, meat-eating, and gambling—you can become one.” So the celebrity man was taken aback. Startled, he said, “It is impossible!! This is our life!!”

So, how do we engage ourselves in eating right. What if the recommended food or food stuffs are boring? What if children don’t enjoy? These are some very common questions many people encounter. While it could be a challenge to change our habits into newer (and better) ones, some of first steps are to associate with people who have already done it and also learn the art and science of healthy cooking. And the more we explore these new insights into a healthy life, the more we will realize that there is a whole new world of delicacies that the tongue can explore. Check out life-style-changing, delicious, sumptuous and simple recipes at http://www.specialveg.com

References: (Srimad Bhagavatam 1.1.10 purport), (SB 4.26.13 : PURPORT). (SB 3.16.22 : PURPORT)

Lectures : Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.25.23 — Bombay, November 23, 1974

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