The goal of Raja Yoga (ie; the one in Yoga Sutras) is to quiet the mind so that one can experience the bliss that is one's true Self.
Garlic and onions are thought to do the opposite - to disturb the mind. They are considered to be tamasic or rajasic. A yogi's diet should be sattvic - the quality of peace/harmony.
(Meat is considered tamasic - the quality of inertia. So are garlic and onions, according to Swami Sivananda. He is not saying to take up meat-eating. He is making the point that garlic and onions can *really* disturb the mind: "They fill the mind with inertia and anger." You can read about it in context using the link provided in the post - from his book The Science of Pranayama.
I find it to be true. But don't take my (or Swami Sivananda's) word for it. Try it for yourself and see if it makes a difference.
By the way, it was Swami Sivananda's birthday yesterday.
If hypothetically, one were to conduct the experiment and give up garlic and onions (temporarily) to see what happened, how long would it take to notice the difference?
Both have a lot of health benefits, including anti-bacterial. I used an entire garlic flower to break a fever once. In lieu of health care... I'll take it!
A few months ago I went to a restaurant. With the bread they served roasted garlic that they mashed up into a paste. I don't eat much garlic nowadays but I totally indulged. It was delicious. That night I had the oddest dreams ever and didn't sleep well. The next day I didn't make the connection right away, but once I did, I had the "ah-ha" moment and there was no doubt in my mind that garlic was the culprit! I believe one Guru actually recommended a clove of raw garlic when one feels a cold coming on.
Oh well I eat as much of them as I can! Love garlic & onions. I don't think I could ever agree w/ Mr. Swami.
ReplyDeleteuh-oh. I'm in trouble :)
ReplyDeleteReally? Do you know what the rationale behind this is?
ReplyDeleteエスタ-
ReplyDeleteYes, really.
The goal of Raja Yoga (ie; the one in Yoga Sutras) is to quiet the mind so that one can experience the bliss that is one's true Self.
Garlic and onions are thought to do the opposite - to disturb the mind. They are considered to be tamasic or rajasic. A yogi's diet should be sattvic - the quality of peace/harmony.
(Meat is considered tamasic - the quality of inertia. So are garlic and onions, according to Swami Sivananda. He is not saying to take up meat-eating. He is making the point that garlic and onions can *really* disturb the mind: "They fill the mind with inertia and anger." You can read about it in context using the link provided in the post - from his book The Science of Pranayama.
I find it to be true. But don't take my (or Swami Sivananda's) word for it. Try it for yourself and see if it makes a difference.
By the way, it was Swami Sivananda's birthday yesterday.
It may 'quiet' the mind, but I won't stop eating both root vegetables.
ReplyDeleteThe third cause of pain & suffering is attachment .
ReplyDeleteIf hypothetically, one were to conduct the experiment and give up garlic and onions (temporarily) to see what happened, how long would it take to notice the difference?
ReplyDelete1. Read this
ReplyDelete2. Conduct your own investigation
3. Report back here.
Both have a lot of health benefits, including anti-bacterial. I used an entire garlic flower to break a fever once. In lieu of health care... I'll take it!
ReplyDeleteYes, it is OK to use it for medicinal purposes.
ReplyDeleteBut for meditation it is considered a hindrance.
Raw garlic makes me irritable and thirsty and causes insomnia (and, occasionally, vomiting).
Cooked onions are not as bad (for the mind) as raw ones.
A few months ago I went to a restaurant. With the bread they served roasted garlic that they mashed up into a paste. I don't eat much garlic nowadays but I totally indulged. It was delicious. That night I had the oddest dreams ever and didn't sleep well. The next day I didn't make the connection right away, but once I did, I had the "ah-ha" moment and there was no doubt in my mind that garlic was the culprit! I believe one Guru actually recommended a clove of raw garlic when one feels a cold coming on.
ReplyDelete