Question
I have a question that has been bothering me for quite some time now on my spiritual journey. A few years ago I was vegan, but developed anorexia. I am at a healthy weight now and have great support. However, I struggle with what kind of diet is appropriate in a spiritual perspective. My healthcare worker suggest that I don't eliminate any foods to prevent relapses. How should I approach diet in a compassionate and wholesome way given my situation?
—Tova, Sweden
Answer
Dear Tova,
It is important health-wise (mental, physical and spiritual) not to make diet a religion; not to be a fanatic. Yogis have long recommended vegetarianism but nowadays with vegan diets so popular among the health-minded (including yogis), the options and variations are infinite.
Paramhansa Yogananda recommended that we find a diet suitable for our temperament. He used the quaint term “proper eatarianism!” He did indeed recommend the yogic (vegetarian) diet, but traditionally that includes dairy while excluding meat. For a few of his students and disciples, he found that their bodies and constitution were better off including some fish, chicken, or lamb (avoiding beef and pork). We Westerners and Northerners are more accustomed to eating meat or fish. Be practical; do what works.
The reason for vegetarianism is two-fold: health and consciousness. Health needs no comment in today’s educated culture but consciousness is a subtle question. One hears the comment that “Jesus ate meat!” Yes, perhaps he did. His consciousness however was light and free of attachment. I won’t attempt to outline the reasons or benefits of vegetarianism as you already are aware.
Given your challenge, it would good if you simply adopted a reasonably healthy diet so that you don’t get tempted to be a fanatic or attached to having to have exactly what you think you need. Your consciousness can supersede the influence of diet when it is necessary to do so. So be free inside; clear in mind; calm in your heart and let your diet be natural to you without ruling your mind.
May your real diet be your devotion and mindfulness of the One who is your true Self!
Nayaswami Hriman
