Aahar Aur Aarogya

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Aahar Aur Aarogya" (Diet and Health) by Upacharya Devendramuni, based on the provided pages:

Core Premise:

The book "Aahar Aur Aarogya" by Upacharya Devendramuni emphasizes the profound connection between diet (Aahar) and health (Aarogya). It asserts that food is not merely sustenance but a crucial factor influencing not only the physical body but also the mind and spiritual well-being. The text advocates for a thoughtful, conscious approach to eating, deeply rooted in Jain principles.

Key Themes and Arguments:

1. Food as Life Force: Food is considered the very essence of life ("Annam Vai Prana"). It provides energy, vitality, enthusiasm, and strengthens the life force. However, the impact of food depends on its nature and how it is consumed.

2. The Dangers of Tamasic and Irresponsible Eating:

   • Tamasic foods (e.g., meat, eggs, alcohol) are strongly condemned as detrimental to both physical and mental health. They are described as causing impurity of thought, vitiating the mind, and leading to weakness and disease.
   • Indiscriminate eating and consuming food for mere taste without considering health or spiritual implications are equated with animalistic behavior.
   • Overeating is highlighted as a greater killer than starvation. Wrong food choices, indigestible items, and foods contrary to the body's nature are the primary causes of illness.

3. The Superiority and Benefits of Vegetarianism (Ahimsa-based Diet):

   • The text strongly advocates for a pure vegetarian diet (Shakahar), aligning it with human physiology and spiritual development.
   • Jain diet is presented as the epitome of purity and health, emphasizing the avoidance of violence at all stages of food preparation and consumption.
   • Meat and eggs are unequivocally classified as unnatural and harmful for humans. They are described as causing aggression, restlessness, lack of concentration, cruelty, selfishness, and promoting diseases like heart disease, high blood pressure, and cancer.
   • Eggs are particularly criticized as being detrimental to health, causing phlegm, weakening the immune system, leading to various severe diseases (jaundice, arthritis, kidney stones), causing digestive issues, and potentially containing DDT.

4. Principles of Balanced and Jain Diet:

   • Balanced Diet Components: Modern dietary science's emphasis on proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, vitamins, water, and calories is acknowledged. However, the text reframes these in terms of:
     • Repair and Replenishment: Elements to replace tissues damaged by physical and mental exertion.
     • Health-Promoting Elements: Those that enhance physical and mental well-being.
     • Nutritious Elements: Those that increase physical strength and keep the mind active and cheerful.
   • Jain Dietary Purity (Shuddhi): The book details fourfold purity essential for Jain meals:
     • Food Material Purity (Khādya-padārtha Shuddhi): Ensuring ingredients are clean, free from insects, dirt, and pesticides.
     • Kitchen Purity (Rasoi-ghar Shuddhi): The cooking space should be well-lit, airy, and clean to allow visibility of living beings and facilitate sharing with ascetics and guests.
     • Time Purity (Kāla Shuddhi): Food should be prepared and consumed during the day, avoiding consumption after sunset.
     • Attitudinal Purity (Bhava Shuddhi): Both the preparation and consumption of food should be done with positive, loving, and peaceful thoughts.

5. Wise Consumption Practices:

   • Moderation is Key: Even healthy foods like milk and ghee can be harmful in excess. The concepts of "Ati" (excess), "Alp" (scarcity), and "Uchit" (appropriate) are discussed. The ideal is to eat an "appropriate" amount that nourishes the body without overburdening it.
   • Discernment (Bhakshya-Abhakshya): The importance of distinguishing between edible (Bhakshya) and non-edible (Abhakshya) items, including processed or canned foods which are considered stale and less beneficial.
   • Filtered Water: Using filtered water is crucial to avoid microscopic organisms (Taras Jiv), highlighting a core Jain practice.
   • Daytime Eating (Divā Bhojan): The practice of finishing all eating and drinking before sunset is strongly supported by both traditional Jain practice and modern scientific findings that indicate food becomes more toxic after dark due to bacterial growth.
   • Mindful Eating: Eating with full attention, observing the food's taste and texture, and avoiding distractions like reading or conversation is advised for better digestion and appreciation of the meal.
   • Dana Bhavana (Spirit of Giving): Contemplating sharing the food with worthy guests (like ascetics or the needy) while eating enhances the sattvic quality of the meal and brings spiritual benefit.
   • Mindful State: Eating with a calm mind, free from anger, fear, or agitation is essential, as negative emotions can turn food into poison.
   • Chewing Properly: Thoroughly chewing food allows for better digestion and prevents issues like bloating.
   • Fasting and Moderation: Practices like fasting (Upvas), eating one meal a day (Ekashan), and eating less than one's fill (Unodari) are presented as powerful remedies for health and disease prevention.

6. Impact on Human Nature: The text reiterates the saying, "Jaisa khave ann, vaisa howe mann" (As one eats food, so becomes the mind). Consuming stimulating or tamasic foods alters one's disposition, leading to irritability, decreased intellectual capacity, and even criminal tendencies. Conversely, sattvic food promotes peace, clarity, and positive traits.

Conclusion:

"Aahar Aur Aarogya" concludes that a vegetarian diet, prepared and consumed with Jain principles of purity, mindfulness, and moderation, is the natural and most beneficial way for humans to eat. This approach not only ensures physical health and longevity but also fosters mental peace, purity of thought, and spiritual growth. The author, Upacharya Devendramuni, aims to guide readers towards a healthy and ideal lifestyle through these principles.