Vegetarianism for a Healthy Body, Mind, Soul and Planet
Vegetarianism for a Healthy Body, Mind, Soul and Planet
By Sant Rajinder Singh
Due to the dedicated research of scientists and doctors, we now understand more than ever before about our physical body and what measures promote good health. As more evidence is coming to light about the beneficial effects of a vegetarian diet, the number of vegetarians around the world is on the rise. More and more people are realizing that this diet can increase the health and well-being of our body, mind, soul and the planet.
The health benefits of a vegetarian diet have been extolled by doctors and nutritionists alike who recommend that people reduce their consumption of meat and eggs to minimize the risks of heart attacks, high blood pressure, strokes and cancer. Environmentalists and ecologists have also shown that raising cattle and processing meat requires much more fuel, water, and energy than is used to produce grains and vegetables. Vegetarianism is one effective means of conserving vital resources.
Enlightened beings, saints, mystics and spiritual teachers have traditionally advocated a vegetarian diet for spiritual and moral reasons. For those pursuing a path leading to self-knowledge and God-realization, a vegetarian diet is essential to help gain proficiency in the spiritual practices.
In order for us to be able to concentrate in meditation, we need to be calm and collected. If we eat non-vegetarian foods, our own consciousness will be affected. In order for our soul to be successful in completing its journey back to its Creator, it must develop the ethical virtues of nonviolence, truthfulness, purity, humility and selfless service. The vegetarian diet is a natural by-product of nonviolence, for we should not harm any living creature. Those who are serious about attaining self-knowledge and God-realization should follow a strict vegetarian diet, avoiding meat, fish, fowl and eggs.
Having entered the new millennium, our attention is focused on humanity’s hopes and dreams for a better world. Humanity is becoming more enlightened, more interested in delving into the mysteries of the universe, and more keen to find personal fulfillment and lasting happiness. We are simultaneously concerned about the welfare of our global community and the preservation of our planet.
How we maintain our self-being is a choice each of us has to make. A balanced vegetarian diet will result in improved health and fitness, greater mental equipoise and higher spiritual attainment. Following this diet can help us achieve the health and purity of our body, mind, soul and planet. We will also be doing our part toward making planet Earth a haven of joy and peace.
Instructions for Jyoti Meditation
To meditate, find a quiet spot and sit in any pose that is comfortable. Meditation is a process whereby we withdraw our attention from the outer world and concentrate it at the seat of the soul. We should close our eyes gently and look straight ahead, focusing our attention in the middle of the darkness lying in front of us. That which sees the darkness is not our physical eyes, but is the third or single eye located between and behind the eyebrows. Continue to gaze into the middle of whatever lies in front, and repeat silently and mentally any name of God. This repetition will keep the mind occupied and prevent it from wandering. With time we will experience the Light of God. When Light or inner vistas appear, keep the attention focused. As we meditate, we will begin to experience the reservoir of peace within, and we will be able to spread this peace to others.
Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj is the author of Inner and Outer Peace through Meditationand Empowering Your Soul through Meditation. Information on free weekly meetings for Jyoti meditation can be obtained at 781-444-9013 or newenginfo@sos.org .
