Mr
Yogi replies
Thanks to Ainjali for sending this question.
Question: Why do some spiritual paths say that you
do not have to follow specific rules about diet, whereas other paths
lay down precise guidelines?
Answer:
A simple answer is that not all paths are correct about everything.
In the world of philosophy, religion and spirituality there are
so many people laying down so many doctrines and ideas. Often these
claims are contradictory, and some of them are just plain wrong.
But there is also another way to look at the differences in various
spiritual messages and practices. The various teachers who came
along during the course of human history had to give a teaching
that was appropriate for the particular time and place in which
they lived. For example, Sadashiva, the guru who was the first teacher
to systematize the practices of tantra yoga, lived 7000 years ago.
His emphasis was on spiritual practice and he gave detailed instructions
regarding meditation. However, he did not present any philosophical
system, because the time was not right for it and he felt that philosophy
would just confuse people. The fact that he did not expound on philosophical
subjects does not mean that there is no place for philosophy on
the spiritual path, but if we understand the context in which Sadashiva
taught, then it is clear why he did not give it importance.
Similarly, Gautama Buddha did not say anything about God. While
some will say that he did not talk about God because he did not
believe in the existence of God, it is also possible to see another
reason for his approach. In the period prior to and during
Buddha‘s time religious leaders exploited people in the name
of God and religion. Buddha wanted to make a sharp break with this
trend and didn’t speculate about the nature of God. Rather,
he emphasized morality and taught people how to meditate with the
expectation that they would find out for themselves, through meditation,
what is the ultimate reality. Buddha’s avoidance of
speculation or talk about the nature of God should be understood
in the historical and social climate in which he lived.
Likewise when it comes to diet and dietary "dos and don'ts",
the time and place where a particular doctrine originated has a
role to play. So, the question is, if there are so many different
ideas on this subject, what should a person do? Quoting an ancient
verse, Shrii Shrii Anandamurti, the founder of Ananda Marga, explained
that though intellectuals may present so many divergent ideas, a
spiritual aspirant should not get confused but should be practical.
He advised that one should find a realized person, and follow the
advice of that person.
With regard to diet, a practical approach is very important.
If you eat a heavy meal and then immediately after the meal try
to meditate you will see that eating does have an effect on your
spiritual practices. You can make experiments to see what works
and what doesn’t work for you. Alternatively, if you are convinced
that dietary guidelines will be helpful for you, then examine what
yogis have said about the subject and then once again make an experiment
and see if their recommendations are helpful or not.
Do you have a question for Mr Yogi?
Send it to mryogi at anandamarga.org
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