Why is it necessary to change your diet as per the season?

Table of Contents

1. Research conducted on diet on the basis of electrosomatographic science

1.1 An experiment after the consumption of a non-vegetarian meal

1.2 An experiment after the consumption of a vegetarian meal

2. Rules about diet

2.1 The reason for formulating rules about a vegetarian diet and its association with vowed religious observances, ethics and penance

2.2 Some rules of diet according to the seasons

2.3 Some common rules about diet

1. Research conducted on diet on the basis of electrosomatographic science

With the help of modern scientific technology, Sanatan Sanstha conducts research to verify spiritual inferences. Electrosomatographic scanning is a technique in which with the help of computerised systems, we obtain readings about the bioelectric regulatory zones associated with the seven Kundalini chakras i.e. Muladhar, Swadhisthan, Manipur, Anahat, Vishuddha, Adnya and Sahasrar. These readings are available in the form of bar graph diagrams and unit statistics. These will be henceforth referred to as 'readings related to the seven chakras'.
In the experiment, basic readings were taken of the seeker's seven chakras. In the first experiment the seeker consumed a non-vegetarian meal and in the second experiment he consumed a vegetarian meal after the basic readings were taken. After consuming both types of meals, readings were noted after every 1-4 hours till the original state was reached.
In both the experiments, attention was paid to the proportion and direction of the changes in the statistical readings associated with the seven chakras, after the meal was consumed when compared to the original readings taken before the consumption of specific meals. If the statistical difference is more than ten, then the inference is considered significant.
When the change in the reading is in a negative direction as compared to the original, it  implies that the specific chakra is becoming more inactive. When the change in the reading is in a positive direction as compared to the original reading, it implies that the inactiveness of the specific chakra is reducing.

1.1 An experiment after the consumption of a non-vegetarian meal

The bar diagram given below demonstrates the seeker's original reading before he consumed a non-vegetarian meal.

In the chart above, the readings related to all the seven chakras are presented collectively in the form of bars. From the left, the bar diagram is about Muladhar, Swadhisthan, Manipur, Anahat, Vishuddha, Adnya and Sahasrar chakras respectively. Readings associated with the chakras are mentioned in the table. Muladhar minus thirteen, Swadhisthan minus seventeen, Manipur minus fifteen, Anahat minus thirty, Vishuddha minus thirty-two, Adnya minus thirty-seven and Sahasrar minus thirty-five.
Below is the bar diagram 21 hours and 16 minutes after the seeker consumed a non-vegetarian meal. In this too the names of chakras are presented as in the earlier diagram.

In this example, the change that has occurred in the seven chakras on consumption of non-vegetarian meal is significant. The readings show that after the seeker consumed a non-vegetarian meal, the inactiveness of all his chakras increased. A non-vegetarian diet is tama-dominant. Its consumption generates black energy in the body. Thus, the inactiveness of the chakras increases. As a result, the person may experience various physical, mental and intellectual distress. The inference is that consuming a non-vegetarian diet is harmful.

1.2 An experiment after the consumption of a vegetarian meal

The bar diagram given below demonstrates the seeker's original reading before he consumed a vegetarian diet.

The bar diagram below has been taken 3 hours and 57 minutes after the seeker consumed a vegetarian diet. In this also the names of chakras have been shown as in the earlier graph.

In this example, the change that takes place in the seven chakras on the consumption of a vegetarian meal is significant. After the consumption of a vegetarian meal, the inactiveness of all the chakras of the seeker is decreased. A vegetarian diet is sattva-dominant. Due to the increased proportion of the sattva attribute caused by the vegetarian diet, the inactiveness of the chakras is reduced because of which the person experiences lightness, enthusiasm and pleasantness. The inference is that consuming a vegetarian diet is beneficial.

2. Rules about diet

In Hindu Dharma every action has been determined taking into consideration man's physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual development. Rules about diet have also been formulated keeping in mind these objectives.

2.1 The reason for formulating rules about a vegetarian diet and its association with vowed religious observances, ethics and penance

If one wants to inculcate certain qualities, one should consume food accordingly for twelve years. This will facilitate the inculcation of specific qualities. Keeping in mind this tenet, authors of the Scriptures have formulated some rules about diet. Following these rules in daily life for three years is considered as a 'vowed religious observance.' If followed for seven years it is a 'rule' and if for twelve years, then it is 'penance.'

2.2 Some rules of diet according to the seasons

In day-to-day life, fresh and hot food should be consumed. Climactic changes in each season influence man's physique, mind, intellect and his entire lifestyle. Hence it is beneficial to make changes in our diet according to seasonal changes. In a vast country like Bharat, the climate and seasons vary in North Bharat and South Bharat. This difference needs to be kept in mind while observing dietary rules pertaining to the seasons.

Appropriate diet for the spring season (vasant): During the spring season there is an increase in the kapha-dosh (one of the three energetic forces of our body). So items which are easy to digest, dry, bitter, astringent and pungent such as green grams, fenugreek, bitter gourd, radish, raw turmeric, pepper and dried ginger should be consumed. In spring season, it is beneficial to avoid a diet which contains sweet, sour and salty items or if at all, to consume them in small quantity. During this season, it is very healthy to adhere to the rule of not consuming salt.

Diet fit for the summer season (grishma): Digestive energy decreases during the summer season. So a diet which is easy to digest, mild, sweet, sour and juicy, and contains items such as milk, butter, ghee, coriander, cumin seed, cardamom is beneficial. Drinking more water is also beneficial.

Diet fit for the rainy season (varsha): There is a possibility of an increase in the kapha-dosh during the rainy season. Hence it is beneficial to consume food items such as millet, rice, okra, lemon, ginger, garlic, turmeric, coconut, sesame oil, milk and milk products.

Diet fit for the autumn (sharad): Due to the heat during the autumn season, the bile (pitta-dosh) defect increases. Hence one should consume sweet, bitter and juicy diet, old grains, green gram, pulse of gram, fenugreek, cucumber, cabbage, spinach and light diet such as vermicelli or apple, banana, jamun, etc.

Diet fit for the winter season (hemant): Digestive energy increases during the winter season. So it is beneficial to consume new grains, green gram, sesame, black gram, carrot, custard apple, dry fruits, ghee, all kinds of spices and food which is tasty and oily.

Diet fit for the cold season (shishir): In the cold season digestive energy is at the optimum. During this season, it is beneficial to consume sweet, sour and salty diet such as sesame, green peas, brinjal, beets, fenugreek, spinach, pomegranate, dry fruits, milk and milk products and butter milk, along with new grains.

2.3 Some common rules about diet

• Consume food in a clean spot and that is offered with love.

• Food is worthy of worship, hence be happy by looking at it and appreciate it. Food which is worshipped regularly provides strength and vitality.

• Avoid having meals at times, other than designated times. Eat only when you are hungry.

• Do not eat in large quantities.

• Avoid having curd at night.

• One must neither consume leftovers or desecrated food, nor offer it to others.

• Do not get up in the middle of a meal and move around with an unclean hand and unwashed mouth.

About the consumption of diet, Maharshi Charakacharya says in the Charaksanhita:

• Meals should always be hot, oily and of an optimum quantity.

• A meal should not have uncomplimentary items or combinations, for example milk and fruits.

• One should sit at an appropriate place for meals.

• The utensils for the meal should be clean.

• Regarding meals, one should duly consider one's constitution and consume food with concentration.

• Food should not be consumed either rapidly or very slowly.

• While having a meal, it is preferable to avoid unnecessary conversation and laughter.

So long as man eats because of desire, his subtle body is nurtured, but then he can fall ill if he eats inspite of lack of desire. Eating food in a quantity sufficient for the body's needs prevents illness. This is a spiritual practice in itself.

This article is courtesy of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (www.HinduJagruti.org)