Kaisa Ho Hamara Ahar - Book Summary

This document, "Kaisa ho Hamara Ahar" (How should our diet be) by Acharya Rajkumar Jain, is a comprehensive treatise on the principles of diet, with a strong emphasis on Jain philosophy and its emphasis on vegetarianism and non-violence. The book aims to guide readers towards a healthy and ethically sound way of eating.

Here's a summary of the key points discussed in the text:

The Importance of Diet:

Life Sustenance: Diet is essential for all living beings to sustain life, fulfill bodily needs, and grow. Without food, life ceases, and thus, without life, nothing can be achieved.
Physical and Mental Health: Diet directly impacts both the physical body and the mind. The food consumed affects the digestive system, internal organs, and the composition of tissues like blood and muscle. It also influences mental states, thoughts, and intellectual faculties.
Body's Functions: Diet fulfills three primary functions for the body:
1. Repair and Growth: Replacing damaged tissues and supporting development (primarily through proteins, minerals, and water).
2. Energy Production: Generating heat and power (through fats and carbohydrates).
3. Regulation: Controlling bodily chemical processes (through vitamins and minerals).

Principles of Healthy Eating:

Balanced Diet: A balanced diet includes essential nutrients in appropriate quantities, such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, salts, and vitamins. Consuming these regularly keeps the body healthy, disease-free, and functional.
Quantity (Matra):
- Ayurvedic Perspective: Ayurveda defines "Ahar" as anything consumed through the food pipe. The quantity of food should be based on one's digestive power (Agni). It's important to eat what is easily digestible at the right time.
- Moderation: Eating too little or too much is detrimental. Moderate eating leads to strength, good complexion, happiness, and longevity. Excessive eating causes heaviness, dullness of intellect, and lethargy, hindering spiritual and ethical practices.
- Mindful Eating: Eating with a calm and content mind is crucial. Overeating leads to a heavy body and a dulled mind.
Timing: It is advised not to eat before one is hungry or long after the appropriate mealtime.
Chewing Properly: Food should be chewed thoroughly. Rushing through meals is harmful.
Hydration: Small sips of water during meals are beneficial, but excessive water consumption after meals should be avoided. Drinking plenty of water between meals (one hour after eating) helps cleanse the stomach and blood.
Frequency: Generally, two meals a day with a 6-8 hour gap are recommended for proper digestion. Constant snacking is detrimental to digestive health.
Post-Meal Routine: A short walk of about 100 steps after meals is advised. Lying down on the left side after meals (especially in summer) is recommended.

The Importance of Sattvic Diet:

Tamasic, Rajasic, and Sattvic Food: The text categorizes food into three types:
- Tamasic: Stale food, meat, fish, eggs, and intoxicating substances. This dulls the mind and intellect, leading to violence and negativity.
- Rajasic: Overly spicy, sour, pungent, and hot foods, including pickles and chutneys. This creates agitation, anger, and imbalance in the mind.
- Sattvic: Pure, light, easily digestible foods like grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and moderate amounts of milk and dairy. Sattvic food promotes purity, clarity of thought, peace, and contentment.
Sattvic is Best: The text strongly advocates for a Sattvic diet for spiritual, mental, and intellectual development. It purifies the mind, leading to calmness and a Sattvic nature.

Vegetarianism (Shakahar) as the Natural and Ethical Choice:

Not Mandatory, But Highly Beneficial: Vegetarianism is presented not just as a dietary choice but as a way of life that embodies non-violence, compassion, and equality towards all living beings.
Myth of Insufficient Protein: The misconception that vegetarian diets lack sufficient protein or strength-giving nutrients is debunked. Scientific research confirms that vegetarian sources like soybeans and groundnuts are rich in protein and other essential nutrients.
Health Benefits of Vegetarianism:
- Reduced Disease Risk: Vegetarianism is linked to a lower risk of heart disease, kidney problems, skin disorders, dental issues, and various abdominal diseases.
- Cholesterol and Fat: Non-vegetarian foods, especially eggs and meat, are high in cholesterol and saturated fats, which are detrimental to cardiovascular health.
- Digestibility: Vegetarian foods are generally easier to digest and provide balanced nourishment.
- Immunity: Vegetarians tend to have stronger immunity and better resistance to diseases compared to non-vegetarians.
- Mental State: Sattvic (vegetarian) foods promote calmness, gentleness, and a peaceful disposition, while meat consumption can lead to violence and cruelty.
Ethical Considerations (Ahimsa): The core of Jain philosophy, Ahimsa (non-violence), is central to advocating for vegetarianism. The text strongly opposes the idea that "life is food for life" ("Jivo Jivasya Bhojanam"), arguing that it justifies violence and disrespects the right to life of all creatures.
Environmental Impact: Over-consumption of meat contributes to environmental degradation by requiring vast amounts of grains for animal feed, leading to deforestation and reduced agricultural productivity.

Harmfulness of Non-Vegetarian Food:

Unnecessary and Harmful: Scientific research proves that meat is not essential or even beneficial for human health. It is considered an "abhakshya" (unconsumable) item from both religious and health perspectives.
Excess Protein: While meat is high in protein, excessive protein intake is harmful and can lead to imbalances, illness, and mental disturbances. The body's protein requirement is much lower than often assumed.
Disease Transmission: Consuming meat from diseased animals can transmit infections and illnesses to humans.
Additives and Taste: The taste of meat is derived from added spices and fats, not from the meat itself.
Digestive Strain: The digestive system is not naturally equipped to efficiently digest meat.
Alcohol and Meat: Meat consumption often leads to the consumption of alcohol to aid digestion, which further harms the kidneys, liver, and other organs.
Reduced Immunity: Meat consumption can reduce the body's natural immunity.
Scientific Evidence: Numerous studies and expert opinions (including those cited from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences and Nobel laureates) highlight the benefits of vegetarianism and the detrimental effects of non-vegetarianism.

Practical Dietary Advice:

Natural Foods: Prioritize natural, unprocessed foods. Factory-processed foods often lose nutritional value and may contain harmful additives.
Affordable and Accessible Foods: Focus on easily available and affordable foods like grains, lentils, vegetables, and seasonal fruits.
Include Whole Grains and Legumes: Consume whole grains and lentils with their husks and sprouts whenever possible, as they are richer in nutrients.
Refined vs. Whole Grains: Avoid refined flour and opt for whole wheat flour (with bran).
Fruits and Vegetables: Include a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables in the diet.
Dairy: Milk and its products (yogurt, buttermilk, ghee) are beneficial, but excessive consumption of yogurt, especially at night, should be avoided.
Sweeteners: Use natural sweeteners like jaggery, raisins, figs, and dates instead of refined sugar.
Avoid Unnecessary Food Items: Do not eat food items that are "abhakshya" (prohibited) or that become harmful through preparation.

In essence, "Kaisa ho Hamara Ahar" is a call for conscious, ethical, and health-promoting dietary choices, strongly advocating for a Sattvic, vegetarian diet as the cornerstone of a balanced and virtuous life, aligning with Jain principles of Ahimsa and overall well-being.