by
Paul
BenhaimSome people believe that they need to eat more to create
more energy within themselves, even when there is no real
hunger. The simple truth is that undigested food can only harm the
body. Eating when not truly hungry, and only for comfort will just
suppress those feelings, slow us down and promote a feeling of
lethargy.
To truly feel abundant vitality, the body must feel light. We
must have clean bowels, which for most of us means fasting,
cleansing and then eating less and more simply. Easy, but as Shri
Bhagavatam states 'He that has conquered the sense of taste has
conquered all his senses'. The ancient Upanishad states 'Food is
eaten, and it eats'.
As well as deciding what and how much to eat, it is also
important to consider when to eat. Ayurvedic principle states:
'When the stools and urine have been expelled, the mind is pure,
the humors are functioning normally, when a clean wind has
arisen from the stomach, when keen hunger is felt, and the vital
airs are cooperative, when the digestive energy is at its height, the
whole body is at its lightest, and the senses are clear and efficient,
then one should eat the food ordained by hygiene. This is the rule
as to the time of eating.'
This means that when our stomachs are empty, we are
rested and our digestive system is cleansed (via fasting/ colonies/
enemas). The body will feel light and we will then feel hungry and
can eat in simplicity and moderation. If we eat at any other time,
we are just placing unnecessary demands on the system. If this
sounds complicated, it is important to remember that these
principles should be viewed as a goal to a lifestyle that includes
hemp in all its various forms - it is not a fad diet. When we have
reached this vision we will no longer wish to go back to any other
lifestyle.