Sattva in Food and Thought – By Dr Anita Duggal

You are what you eat 

It is often said that you are what you eat. This certainly holds true from the Ayurvedic point of view, hence the stress on diet and its quality. However, Ayurveda teaches us that are we not just what we eat but also what we consume in the broadest sense. We are constantly consuming through our five senses and this inflow of sensory impressions shapes and moulds the mind as much as the food we eat. In modern culture, we do not give this type of consumption the importance it merits or even fully recognise the potential impact on our health and wellbeing.  

The mind, like the body is constantly turning over and being renewed. Ayurveda regards the mind as a subtle form of matter which is shaped by the food we consume, in that the subtle essence of the food forms the mind. It is also being influenced by the incoming Pranic flow through the senses. We know that whatever we experience, colours our thoughts and emotions, but we are often unaware of the subtle effect that everything that we take in has on our state of mind. 

Everything in this manifest universe has its specific qualities and properties. There are three inherent aspects or qualities of nature known as the three Gunas – Sattwa, Rajas and Tamas. These are present throughout nature and are likewise present in our minds. The mind is formed from Sattwa and this is therefore its essential nature. The mind is disturbed in its functioning by Rajas and Tamas which are therefore known as the Doshas of the mind. Rajas activates the mind and Tamas dulls it. It is these three qualities that continually exert a subtle influence on us. They are present in all phenomena and in every human being to varying degrees. They are in constant flux and at one time one may predominate and at another time another may predominate. 

The Sattwic quality promotes harmony, calm, clarity, purity and stillness in the mind. The Rajasic quality is exciting, stimulating and promotes activity, the passions and ambition. The Tamasic quality is dulling, clouding and promotes somnolence and inertia. 

Let us start with the diet. Each item of food has its specific nature and associated qualities. All that we consume is made of these three gunas in varying degrees. Sattwic food broadly speaking is freshly prepared wholesome vegetarian food which has a calming and pleasing effect on the mind. Many fresh vegetables and fruit are Sattwic in nature. Fresh milk, ghee, whole grain pulses, nuts, seeds are also some examples of Sattwic foods. Rajasic food is stimulating, tasty and spicy food which excites the mind and makes it active. Examples are meat, fish, eggs, garlic, chillies, pickles, caffeine, chocolate and so on. Tamasic food is dulling in its effect. Stale food, processed food, meat, mushrooms, fermented food like bread, hard cheeses, vinegar and alcohol are a few examples. 

And when we turn to the sensory diet the same principle applies. Sensory food has its properties and thereby exerts its effect. What we consume through our senses also has Sattwic, Rajasic or Tamasic qualities. 

Broadly speaking Sattwic sensory impressions are harmonious, clear, uplifting and calming.  whether these be sounds, sights, fragrances or touch. A Sattwic environment is clean, light, clear and harmonious. The colours are gentle pastel colours. Music and chants which are harmonious and peaceful generally have a Sattwic effect. 

Religious/spiritual music and chants and other spiritual activities generally have a Sattwic effect on the mind. Not only this but the mind is nourished and uplifted with positive thoughts and tendencies. 

Rajasic sensory impressions activate and stimulate the passions. This includes sounds, music, images and odours that stimulate and excite the mind. Watching thrillers, passionate dramas, listening to rock music or other exciting music will all activate the mind. Bright colours have a Rajasic effect. 

Tamasic impressions have a negative and clouding effect. These are dark images, negativity, discordant sounds, bad language, unpleasant smells. Negativity in the content of what is seen or heard will have a dulling or agitating effect. An environment which is dark, dull and neglected will have a Tamasic effect.

Enhancing Sattwa may accord a certain mental peace and stability. Rajas has a role in achieving goals and being dynamic in society. However, in excess it can cause anxiety, restlessness and agitation. Tamas is also important in inducing sleep, without which we cannot function. However, in excess it can cause heaviness, lethargy, dullness and feelings of depression. 

Our five senses are constantly consuming impressions, and these are a form of diet which shapes the mind. Everything we do has an influence on us and shapes what we become. Hence the importance of our sensory diet, our environment and our company. As Rajas and Tamas are the qualities which when in excess are said to cause disturbance of the mind, these need to be kept in check. 

All three Gunas are essential in nature but strong Sattwa is helpful for a clear and calm state of mind. Mind being the subtle part of the body is influenced by everything that the body takes in through its diet and senses. And it therefore follows that you are indeed what you eat! If we are what we consume in this very broad sense, then this gives us a degree of control in shaping the way we want to be and to take charge of the forces that govern us. 

To Live in Love or Fear

Rejuvenate Yourself with an Ayurveda Massage

Many people dismiss Ayurveda as a hoary old science of jari-bhooti practised by jhola-chaap doctors in India. But it has a firm scientific basis, says RENU GULATI, a teacher and practitioner of Ayurveda

Ayurveda is a unique holistic system of health and well-being based on the inter-relationship of the body, mind and spirit and life as a whole. The term ‘Ayurveda’ originates from ancient Sanskrit and literally translates as ‘Knowledge or Science of Life. It is believed to be the oldest health care system in the world, and dates back some 5,000 years ago to the Vedic age. Ayurveda is considered to be the spiritual wisdom of ancient Himalayan sages. Today, as yoga and Indian systems of meditation gain acceptance around the world, Ayurveda is being revived. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also given it a prominent place in its Traditional Medicines Programme to promote global usage.

Ayurveda emulates the laws of nature, teaching us how to put nature’s great principles of health and natural living into practice. Ayurveda considers that everything in the universe, including human beings, comprise of the five basic elements of ether, air, fire, water and earth.

The proportions of these elements vary in each individual, which is what makes each one of us unique. Ayurveda treats disease and promotes optimum well-being by correcting imbalances of these elements. Most people are now familiar with the Ayurvedic terms of vata, pitta and kapha and Ayurveda believes that each of us is a combination of these elements and it is this that determines our body type and our nature.

Ayurveda remedies include the use of herbs, therapeutic oil massages or Abhyanga, detoxifying and dietary measures, as well as exercise, relaxation and meditation. Therapeutic oil massages have great health benefits.

What is Abhyanga (Massage)?

The Sanskrit word Abhyanga means literally “to rub with unctuous substances” and is commonly termed as ‘massage’. Using therapeutic oils and specialised strokes, Abhyanga is traditionally used to treat disease, retard the ageing process, rejuvenate the body and relieve physical and mental stress.

One of the ancient classic texts of Ayurveda, the Charaka Samhita, which is believed to have been written almost 2,000 years ago recommends daily Abhyanga. It states that benefits to be gained by Abhyanga, whether self-administered or received from another, include:

1. longevity

2. rejuvenation

3. a strong immune system

4. improved blood circulation

5. detoxification

6. relaxation

7. relief from fatigue and stress

8. sound sleep

9. improved eyesight

10. healthy glowing skin and a beautiful body

The Charaka Samhita considers that daily Abhyanga to the head, ears and feet has the following specific benefits:

Daily head massage prevents conditions such as headache, insomnia, alopecia, and greying or falling hair. Scalp stimulation makes hair healthy, strong and lustrous as well as imparting a radiant glow to the face and a cheerful disposition.

Daily ear massage prevents ear infections, hearing difficulties, as well as stiffness in the neck and jaw area.

Daily foot massage prevents the occurrence of sciatica, thrombosis, cracked skin and quickly alleviates physical and mental fatigue.

Yoga

Apart from daily massage, it is extremely beneficial to follow the revitalising practice of Yoga asanas  or postures. Asanas stimulate the sebaceous glands that lie just beneath the surface of the skin to secrete their natural oils, the inherent skin balm of the human body. Massage returns these beneficial secretions to the skin, thereby maintaining softness and suppleness.

Be your true self

We talk about being authentic. We talk about walking your talk. What does this mean in daily life?
If one were to wear one’s self on one’s sleeve, what would happen? We would be judged, subconsciously or consciously by others. Ayurveda advises us to maintain a happy exterior, no matter what. This then, one would think, create a false image of oneself in public. However, I now experientially understand the benefits of this; one is protected from negative judgement in the main. One does not create suffering for others.

Now, in the world of digital media, one can maintain a happy self image and get the adoration we all seek. We see how many likes we have, the positive comments we get and gain albeit a temporary happiness from this. There are beauty filters and editing of images to help you look like a movie star and this is the reason many peoplecome off social media. These images of people having a great time have caused a feeling of insecurity and inferiority amongst many.
When Ayurveda says maintain a happy and positive image, it is for the purpose of maintaining face in society. Do you know how many people are happy knowing that you are unhappy, even though its not conscious. It gives others a oneupmanship over others, something to gossip about and ruin your social image.

So then how does one deal with feelings of sadness and negativity. Is one still supposed to fake it till you make it. It seems so. This is a type of affirmation. Here in India, when one is asked ‘how are you’ the common answers are ‘first class, very good, all good with the blessings of god’.
This may seem like one is suppressing ones feelings. Suppression of negativity is considered a good thing as t leads to one not dwelling on such things. If one puts ones energy on negativity by talking about it repeatedly, it grows. However, on the other hand, one must he self analytical with oneself to understand the root cause of the negativity and if one cannot do it alone, seek the help of a close one or a counselor, where one is not going to be judged. If one fails to address the root cause of ones negativity or sadness, one could end up in huge psycho emotional turmoil which could lead to a mind or body disease. One has to have a few trusted people who are not in the least bit judge-mental if one cannot self navigate out of negativity and sadness. However, the problem must not increase by fixating on it nor should ones image of oneself deflate by taking on a victim mentality. We each are responsible for our own actions and if one believes in the karma theory we can also go one step further and say we are fully responsible for all the things happening in our life. All the circumstances including the responses of others.

So the initial question raised about how to be authentic means, I would say, maintain positivity in front of others whilst you are sorting out your negative issues in the background. Be genuine, don’t be over the top about positivity but speak the truth at all times without disturbing the peace of others and creating a negative self image. A negative self image in society is difficult to erase but a positive one is inspirational. In the philosophy of John Stuart Mill, it is said work for the greater good of the whole so this is in line with Ayurveda.
What about the common trend we are veering to today, which is to air ones dirty laundry in public on chat shows and such like where you are told that you are held in a safe environment. I personally don’t think it is a good idea to do this for the reasons I have already mentioned. Pick up the pieces in the privacy of your own home is what i would say and that too with discernment.