Peace through a Sattvic Diet

A Life-Enhancing Diet to Balance the Mind

“Food is a dynamic force that interacts with the human on the physical body level, the mental-emotional level, and also the energetic and spiritual level. The study of nutrition is the study of the interaction with and assimilation of the dynamic forces of food by the dynamic forces of our total being.”
~Gabriel Cousens, M.D., Spiritual Nutrition and The Rainbow Diet

What is a Sattvic Diet?

In Ayurveda, the emphasis is on a Sattvic diet for healthy living, particularly for keeping our minds clear, happy and at peace. The original Sattvic diet was devised to develop higher consciousness.

Sattvic foods are abundant in Prana, the universal life force that gives life to all sentient beings in both plant and animal kingdoms. A Sattvic diet means vegetarian food and food rich in Prana, a ‘life force’ like organic fresh fruits and vegetables. It requires avoiding canned and processed food and foods prepared with chemical fertilizers or sprays. It also means properly prepared fresh foods. Foods prepared with lots of love will add to their Sattvic quality.

The ancient Ayurvedic criteria for foods to be considered Sattvic were quite simple: foods were grown organically on good, rich, fertile soil; foods were to be attractive in appearance and harvested at the correct time of year; foods were whole foods, full of life force and enzymes, and as close as possible to their natural fresh state.

Today, we need to add several other modern concerns to these criteria for a Sattvic diet. Sattvic foods should be grown without pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers, hormones, irradiation, or anything unnatural. The modern use of refinement processes and chemical additives, besides actually adding substances to our foods, depletes foods of their Prana' life force,’’ rendering them heavy, impotent, and lifeless.

Sattvic foods are nutritive vegetarian foods like organic nuts, seeds, whole grains, and oily fruits and vegetables that help build brain tissue and develop Ojas.

The Three Gunas

In the unmanifested Universe, energy has three qualities, known as Gunas, that exist together in equilibrium: Sattva (purity), Rajas (activity, passion, the process of change), and Tamas (darkness, inertia). Once energy takes form, one quality of the three predominates; thus, on an apple tree, some of the fruit is ripe (Sattvic), some ripening (Rajasic) and some overripe (Tamasic). But no matter which quality prevails, an element of each of the other two will always be present as well. Most of an individual apple will be ripe, but the part will be rotten, even if the naked eye cannot see it, and the part will be in the process of changing from one state to the other. The three Gunas encompass all existence and all actions. If a man commits a robbery, the action is Rajasic, but the motive for the decision to rob may be predominantly Tamasic, Rajasic, or Sattvic, according to the situation. In all people, one of the three Gunas has superior strength reflected in all they do and think. Only in enlightenment are the Gunas completely transcended.

Ancient Rishis have said you take on the karma of the animal you eat. When you eat meat, you are ingesting all the stress hormones released when that animal is killed. The hormones released at death are in the flesh when you eat it. At a cellular level, your body is getting the message that you are dying.

One goal and effect of Ayurveda and following a spiritual path is to raise our vibrational levels. Meat has a very low vibration. On a continuum of lower vibrations, fish, chicken, lamb, beef, and finally, pork have increasingly lower vibrations, and their energy is very dark, dense and congested. Through the centuries, it has been observed that vegetarians have a more refined etheric body and brighter aura. A vegetarian whose etheric body is more colourful and healthier will generally heal much faster than non-vegetarians.

Ayurvedic Principles

Everything on Earth has a primary quality (Guna). Anything we hear, smell, see, taste, or touch may be classified as Sattvic, Rajasic, or Tamasic.

Balancing the Emotional Body with Food

In Ayurveda, a dietary system developed by the ancient Masters and Sages over thousands of years, worked with the mind to help support an individual on a spiritual path that perfected the ancient forms of Yoga and Meditation. It is also the foundation of many healing arts. It has a rich tradition has been taught, practiced and passed onto many cultures worldwide.

Ayurveda or Sattvic foods all have one thing in common: they are high in Prana (the universal life force). More specifically, Sattvic foods are natural, organically grown, and unrefined. Modern food processing removes the Prana from many foods and makes them heavy, impotent, and lifeless—or simply “dead food.”

Mind balance in Ayurveda means modifying the mind from a Tamasic or Rajasic state to a Sattvic state. Choosing foods and activities that are Sattvic in nature in preference to those that are Rajasic or Tamasic does that. With consistent and dedicated attention to diet, environment, and sensory experiences, total mind balance can be achieved.

It often takes discipline and effort to become Sattvic, but the peace of mind, health, strength, and immunity that is obtained from this state of mind make it worthwhile. However, some Rajasic and Tamasic qualities are still required for action and motivation to achieve our goals, as well as inaction, sleep, or relaxation.

There are three types of foods categorized by their primal essence or nature:

Tamasic Foods

Dark and dull. A tamasic diet benefits neither the mind nor the body. Prana, or energy, is withdrawn, reasoning powers become clouded and a sense of inertia sets in. The body’s resistance to disease is destroyed, and the mind is filled with dark emotions, such as anger, jealousy, and greed. Tamasic foods include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, alcohol and other intoxicants, including drugs. Foods that are over-processed, no longer fresh, and challenging to digest are Tamasic. Foods prepared unconsciously or while the preparer is angry or in a negative mood are also considered Tamasic. If you are interested in vital health and spiritual growth, it is best to avoid these foods. Tamasic items include meat, alcohol, tobacco, onions, garlic, fermented foods like vinegar, stale leftover food, and contaminated or overripe substances. Overeating is also regarded as Tamasic. Tamasic is the unhealthiest food of all.

Rajasic Foods

Rajas signify a “can do” kind of energy. We need this energy to accomplish, create, and achieve. It represents worldly power and the sex drive. A Rajasic diet is good for “householders” who aspire to maintain a meditative mind but need to live and work in the world. It has been recommended by the ancient Rishis teachers that a combination of Sattvic and Rajasic foods for those who practise demanding disciplines such as endurance athletics, martial arts, and Kundalini Yoga. They destroy the mind-body equilibrium, feeding the body at the expense of the mind. Foods that are very hot, bitter, sour, dry, or salty are rajasic. Too much rajasic food will overstimulate the body and excite strong emotional qualities and passions, making the mind restless and uncontrollable. Rajasic foods include hot substances, such as sharp spices or potent herbs, or stimulants, like coffee and tea, the meat of animals and fish, eggs, salt, and chocolate. Many of the ground foods are Rajasic. Eating in a hurry is also considered Rajasic.

Sattvic Foods

Sattvic means pure essence. This is the purest diet for a consciously spiritual and healthy life. It nourishes the body and maintains it in a peaceful state. According to Ayurveda, this is the best diet for physical strength, a sound mind, good health, and longevity. And it calms and purifies the mind, enabling it to function at its maximum potential. A Sattvic diet thus leads to proper health: a peaceful mind in control of a fit body, with a balanced flow of energy between them. A Sattvic diet is excellent for those individuals who desire to live a quiet, peaceful and meditative life. Sattvic foods comprise the diet of many sages, yogis, and spiritual teachers. These foods are supposed to produce calmness and nobility among men. Eating fruits and vegetables increases one’s magnetism. From what we understand today about diets, we are sure that ancient Essenes and Rishis masters had a very good idea about food in general and its effect on the body and the thinking patterns of man. The soul's expression is dependent on the body, and the body is dependent on food.

The Sattvic diet consists of light, soothing, easily digested food. Sattvic signifies etheric qualities and includes fruits and vegetables, primarily sun and ground foods. Sattvic foods that are sun foods grow one meter or more above the ground. They have a quickening and lightening effect on the body’s nervous and digestive systems. Ground foods are those foods that grow within one meter underground. They draw energy from the Earth and are high in nutrients. Sattvic foods include sprouted whole grains, fresh fruit, land and sea vegetables, pure fruit juices, nut and seed milk and cheese, legumes, nuts, seeds, sprouted seeds, honey, and herb teas. Sattvic foods are those foods which do not agitate your stomach at all. According to the diet, the best foods are fresh, balanced with all six tastes, and consumed in moderate portions.

Becoming Sattvic

One should focus on work, self-improvement, and intellectual or spiritual pursuits. Maintaining a positive nature and demonstrating generosity, kindness, openness, fairness (equality), and forgiveness also increases the Sattvic Guna. In addition, spiritual inclination, faith, belief in the Great Spirit or God, and engaging in selfless service or charitable activities help one become Sattvic.

Nature’s Sattvic Foods

Fruits

Apples, Kiwi, Prunes, Apricots, Loquat, Tangerines, Bananas, Lychee, Pomegranate, Cantaloupe, Mango, Papaya, Cherries, Melons, Nectarines, Cranberry, Honeydew, Oranges, Grapefruits, Watermelon, Pineapples, Grapes, Peaches, Plums, Guava, Pears, Persimmon

Vegetables

Artichokes, Eggplant, Lettuce, Beets, Mustard, Greens, Asparagus, Daikon, Onions, Endive, Fennel, Maitake, Parsnips, Bok Choy, Peas, Broccoli, Green Beans, Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts, Kale, Radishes, Cabbage, Leeks, Lima Beans, Shallots, Carrots, Celery, Spinach, Cauliflower, Chard, Chanterelles, Sprouts, Corn, Squash, Shitake, Mushrooms, Watercress, Turnips, Yams

Sprouted Whole Grains

Amaranth, Barley, Buckwheat, Bulgur, Millet, Quinoa, and Rice: basmati, Brown, and Wild Rice.

Oils

Olive, Safflower, Sesame, Sunflower, Garbanzo, Lentils, Mung.

Spices

Asafoetida (Hing), Coriander, Basil, Cumin, Nutmeg, Black Pepper, Fennel seed, Parsley, Cardamom, Fenugreek, Turmeric, Cinnamon, Cloves, Ginger

Nut/Seed

Brazil nuts, Pumpkin seeds, Sunflower seeds, Walnuts

Seed/Nut Milk & Cheese

Seed milk, Hemp milk, Almond or other nut milk

Sweeteners

Cane juice, Raw honey, Stevia, Fruit Juices, Maple Syrup

It takes time for the effects of dietary changes to manifest in the mind. Changing our diet may not impact our psychology overnight, but over months, it can affect it significantly.