I am planning to write on "FOOD" on a regular basis (may be once a week). Readers are welcome to give suggestions and their views on the subject.
Why food is taken?
Definitely it is not just for filling the stomach or to satisfy your taste buds.
Here, we have to introduce a deeper level of doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) that is important relative to healthy life. Vata, Pitta & Kapha have subtle counter parts called Prana, Tejas & Ojas that could be called “the three vital essences”. These are the roots or master forms of Vata, Pitta & Kapha (the three doshas) that control ordinary Psychophysical functioning and if reoriented properly, energize higher spiritual potentials as well. They are not simply forces of the physical body but of the subtle and casual bodies, as well.
PRANA (Primal life force) is the subtle energy of AIR as the master force and guiding intelligence behind all psychophysical functions, responsible for co-ordination of breath, senses and mind. On an inner level, it unfolds and harmonizes all higher state of consciousness.
TEJAS (Inner radiance) is the subtle energy of FIRE as the radiance of vitality through which we digest out air, impressions and thoughts. On an inner level, it unfolds the higher perceptual capacities.
OJAS (Primal Vigor) is the subtle energy of WATER as the stored up vital reserve, the basis of physical and mental endurance. Ojas is the internalized essence of digested food, water, air, impressions and thoughts. On an inner level it is responsible for nourishing and developing of all higher facilities.
These three forces are interrelated Prana and Tejas are rooted in Ojas and can be regarded as aspects of Ojas. Tejas is the heat and light energy of Ojas. Prana is the energy and strength that come from Ojas after it has been kindled into Tejas. Ojas is the Potential, the stamina of the mind and nervous system for holding Tejas and Prana. Ojas has the capacity to turn into Tejas (heat), which has the capacity to turn into Prana (electricity).
According to Ayurveda, when these doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) are too high or too low, they cause disease. But these vital essences (Prana-Tejas, Ojas) unlike doshas promote health, creativity and well-being and provide the support for deeper yoga meditation practices.
cheretamama, what is the element that links the three doshas to food intake ? How is it connected?
ReplyDeleteCan i suggest that you change your template? A little harsh on the eyes. black on safron is not soft on reading.
ReplyDeletecherettanmame, we have heard ayurveda doctors talk about 'Vatha, Pitha and Kapha Prakrutams'. how is it possible to identify one's nature?
ReplyDeleteDear Gouri & Shyam,
ReplyDeleteI think when I reply to Gouri, Shyam's doubt also will be cleared. Of course, Gouri the detailed Ayurvedic interpretation on Vata, Pitta & Kapha is totally different from that we were looking at as a lay man.
In Ayurveda, we look at these terms in physiological angle and not in pathological angle. Coming to the subject, we usually interpret Vata as rheumatism, Pitta as biles or acidity and Kapha as phlem. But in Ayurveda, all these three are the conceptual energies. Vata is the energy with which nervaine activity is happening (it is not nervous system but the nervaine functioning). Pitta is the energy with which all secretions are taking place (let it be biles, acids, enzymes, hormonal, excretary substances, etc). Kapha is the energy with which PROPER transformation of the seven tissues (from plasma to sex elements). In short it is like the electricity - when it connects to air conditioner it brings in cold, but if it is connected to the heater it brings in heat and when connected to a bulb the same electrical energy is converted to light energy. Here, the philosophy enters in. The potential energy (Brahma),when connected with the Prakruti, the system gets connected to differant lines with which the Vata, Pitta & Kapha are generated and been channelled through their proper channels to bring in the result of a perfect co-ordinated activities. The same Vata can be defined as the prdominant activity of Ether & Air; Pitta as the Fire and Kapha as the Water & Earth (as per the five elemental principle - Pancha Bhoota Siddhantha).
Gouri & Shyam, I am sure that I am quite successful in bringing more confusion to both of you on the subject. But if you remember this subject when we meet next time I will be able to give you a boring lecture for a couple of hours but make sure that you understand the subject.
Cherettammama with lots of Love.
boring, yet interesting..(an oxymoron?)..
ReplyDeleteinteresting! a big questionnaire waiting for you when we meet!
ReplyDelete