Karwar (Karnataka): Just as a vehicle needs fuel and a mechanism to control its movement, the human body requires the powers of the mind and ojas (vital energy) to function, said Sri Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Mahaswamiji, Jagadguru Shankaracharya of Sri Ramachandrapura Math.
Speaking at a religious gathering as part of the ‘Annam Brahma’ discourse series during the ongoing Annabrahma Chaturmasya at the Math’s Ashoka premises in Gokarna on Saturday, the seer elaborated on the relationship between food, the mind and ojas.
He said the mind serves as the controlling force of the body and is formed from the subtle essence of food. Ojas, which sustains the body’s vitality, is also nourished through food, he said.
The seer said fasting undertaken as part of spiritual practice could enhance ojas and need not harm the body. When combined with spiritual discipline, fasting could enable a person to sustain themselves even with reduced food intake, he said.
Raghaveshwara Bharati said ojas in the heart plays an important role in the sustenance and wellbeing of living beings. Alcohol consumption, an improper diet and excessive exercise could deplete it, he said.
He recommended pure cow ghee, cow’s milk, traditional rice varieties that mature in around 60 days, indigenous wheat and green gram as foods that could help enhance ojas.
Seer calls for protection of traditional crops
Expressing concern over the gradual loss of resources essential for human life, the seer called for greater efforts to conserve traditional cattle breeds and indigenous food crops.
He said traditional paddy varieties and other food crops were being lost in the name of developing new varieties, while the decline in cattle breeds was also a matter of concern. Preserving traditional agricultural practices and indigenous crop varieties was essential, he said.
Special Officer to the Union Tourism and Culture Minister Avinash Bhat, Central Spice Board official Prasanna Kerekai and Dharwad district Rotary Governor Ganesh Bhat were among those present.
Members of the Moodambikana Subrahmanya Bhat family, representing various units of the Mangaluru Havyaka Mandala, offered Gurubhiksha Seva. Sri Matha media coordinator Sandesh Talakalakoppa and several other dignitaries also attended the programme.