Greater Yogic Diet

In Thich Nhat Han's book, The Art of Power, he describes a greater yogic diet which is part of the Buddhist Fifth Mindfulness Training. He says:

“Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful consumption, I am committed to cultivating good health, both physical and mental, for myself, my family, and my society, by practicing mindful eating, drinking, and consuming. I am committed to ingest only items that preserve peace, well-being, and joy in my body, in my consciousness, and in the collective body and consciousness of my family and society. I am determined not to use alcohol or any other intoxicant or to ingest foods or other items that contain toxins, such as certain TV programs, magazines, books, films, and conversations. I am aware that to damage my body or my consciousness with these poisons is to betray my ancestors, my parents, my society, and future generations. I shall work to transform violence, anger, and confusion in myself and in society by practicing a diet for myself and for society. I understand that a proper diet is crucial for self-transformation and for the transformation of society.”

Is it really true that we can take in toxins from TV programs, media, and conversations?

In yoga, all matter is composed of three kinds of energy: sattvic, rajasic, and tamasic. Sattvic evergy is pure and helps the mind be restful and at ease,rajasic energy is over-stimulating and over-exciting, and tamasic energy makes one feel tired, heavy, lethargic, and lazy. So, it makes sense that our TV programs and conversations can be classified in the same way.

Noticing:
- Have noticed that if you watch too much TV or talk to others for many hours, that you feel tamasic, tired, and drained?
- Have you noticed that watching TV right before bedtime may lead to a rajasic, disturbed, uneasy sleep?
- Gossip may be entertaining and attractive to indulge in on the internet and in conversations, but how do you feel after?
- Do you see a link between violent TV shows and video games and violence and disrespectful behavior in society? How about in your own mind and behavior?
- How about our purchases? Is retail therapy just a quick fix high or are our purchases bringing us deeper levels of tranquility and contentment?

On the other hand, if you are mindful and pursuing a greater yogic diet, you may be spending some time in prayer, meditation, positive thinking, exercising, scriptural study, charity work or selfless service, religious services, and other spiritual practices. You may see the link between these kinds of practices and sattvic energy that puts the mind at ease.

So, everything in our life can be worthy of our contemplation and part of our yoga practice.

May your greater yogic diet give you a strong, stable, and peaceful foundation for your life. And may all your yoga practices bear great fruit for you, your family, and your community.

Namaste,
Monique