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How To Follow Diet In Hinduism?

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Following a diet in Hinduism is a spiritual practice that integrates food choices with devotion, ethics, and self-discipline. It emphasizes purity, balance, and mindfulness. Here's an expanded guide with details:

Philosophy of Diet in Hinduism

  1. Sattvic Diet: Encourages foods that promote purity, health, and tranquility. Includes fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, dairy, and herbs.
  2. Ahimsa (Non-violence): Many Hindus practice vegetarianism, believing it minimizes harm to living beings.
  3. Connection with Nature: Seasonal foods and natural ingredients are preferred to align with the rhythms of nature.

Practical Steps for a Hindu Diet

  1. Mindful Eating: Offer gratitude to God before meals, reflecting on the divine connection in food.
  2. Balance: Include all six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, astringent) for a holistic diet.
  3. Timing: Avoid eating after sunset as digestion slows down.
  4. Cooking: Prepare meals in a clean environment with love and devotion.

Simple Daily Prayers

  1. Before Cooking: Chant to purify the food: "Annapurne Sadaapurne Shankara Praana Vallabhe
    Jnaana Vairaagya Siddhyartham Bhikshaam Dehi Cha Parvati."     (O Annapurna, the goddess of nourishment, grant me knowledge and detachment along with your divine offerings.)

  2. Before Meals: Gratitude mantra: "Brahmaarpanam Brahma Havir
    Brahmaagnau Brahmanaahutam
    Brahmaiva Tena Gantavyam
    Brahmakarma Samadhinah."     (The act of offering is Brahman, the oblation is Brahman, the offering is poured by Brahman into the fire of Brahman.)

Simple Puja Steps

  1. Preparation:

    • Bathe and wear clean clothes.
    • Use light-colored or saffron clothes for puja.
    • Keep a clean puja area with fresh flowers, fruits, and water.

  2. Steps:

    • Light a lamp (diya) and incense stick.
    • Offer water, flowers, and fruits to the deity.
    • Recite prayers and mantras with sincerity.
    • Conclude with a small aarti (lamp waving) and distribute prasad (sanctified food).

Colors of Clothes

  1. Sattvic Colors: White, yellow, green, or light shades.
  2. Festival Days: Wear bright colors like red or saffron.
  3. Specific Deities:
    • Shiva: White or ash-colored attire.
    • Hanuman: Orange or red.
    • Krishna: Yellow or blue.
    • Ganesha: Red or green.

Ideal Gods or Goddesses to Worship for Diet and Health

  1. Annapurna: Goddess of food and nourishment.
    • Mantra: "Om Namo Bhagavate Annapurneshwaryai Namo Namah."
  2. Shakumbhari: Goddess of vegetables and natural foods.
    • Mantra: "Om Shakumbhari Deviye Namah."
  3. Dhanvantari: God of Ayurveda and healing.
    • Mantra: "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye Amritakalashahastaya Sarvamaya Vinashanaya Trailokyanathaya Sri Mahavishnave Namah."
  4. Ashwini Kumaras: Divine physicians.
    • Mantra: "Om Ashwinibhyo Namah."
  5. Shiva: For detoxification and balance.
    • Mantra: "Om Namah Shivaya."
  6. Hanuman: For energy and discipline.
    • Mantra: "Om Shri Hanumate Namah."
  7. Krishna: For blissful and balanced living.
    • Mantra: "Om Kleem Krishnaya Namah."
  8. Ganesha: For removing obstacles in adopting a disciplined diet.
    • Mantra: "Om Gan Ganapataye Namah."

Rare Facts About Diet in Hinduism

  1. Spiritual Energy of Food: Prasad, or sanctified food, is believed to carry divine energy.
  2. Fasting: Observing fasts on specific days (e.g., Ekadashi, Shivratri) helps detoxify the body and mind.
  3. Cooking Practices: Using specific utensils like clay pots is considered auspicious and beneficial for health.
  4. Moon Cycles: Certain diets are aligned with lunar phases, influencing fasting or feasting practices.

Practical Ideas for Modern Times

  1. Plan Meals Mindfully:
    • Incorporate sattvic principles into everyday meals.
    • Opt for organic and minimally processed foods.
  2. Meal Blessings Apps: Use technology to schedule reminders for prayer before eating.
  3. Modern Cooking:
    • Experiment with sattvic recipes using contemporary methods.
    • Replace unhealthy snacks with nuts, fruits, or baked alternatives.
  4. Community Cooking: Engage in group cooking or food distribution as seva (service).
  5. Eco-Friendly Practices: Use sustainable utensils and avoid food wastage as an offering to Earth.

Inspiring Quotes

  1. “When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no need.” — Ayurvedic Proverb.
  2. "You are what you eat, so choose wisely." — Hindu Philosophical Teaching.

By following these principles, one not only nourishes the body but also fosters spiritual growth and connection with the divine.