1. How should an ‘ideal meal’ be ?
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Avoid a diet which is Non-Vegetarian and tamasik (Tama-predominant) in nature. Avoid deep fried, spicy stale food. Avoid food lacking nutrition, and avoid fast foods such as pizza, chips etc. which are difficult to digest.
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Have a sattvik (Sattva-predominant) vegetarian diet. A diet which includes milk, ghee made from cow’s milk, buttermilk, rice, wheat, lentils, leafy vegetables, and fruits is recommended.
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Eat moderately to remain healthy. Consume food which takes up two portions of the stomach, and such that one portion is retained for water and another portion for air.
2. The ideal way to have a meal
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Sit on a wooden seat or a seat (mat, cloth etc.) on the floor, while having a meal. Avoid sitting at a table with a chair, or on the bare floor.
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Have meals in the kitchen or dining room with the entire family as far as possible. Avoid facing south while eating.
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Offer the meal served on the plate to God and then have it as Prasad (Holy Sacrament) while chanting the Name of the God.
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Never eat food from another’s plate, since it can cause distress due to negative energies.
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Do not leave food in the plate. Pick up any food split around the plate, to avoid stepping on it.
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Get up from the seat expressing gratitude at the feet of the Diety of worship with words – ‘Annadata Sukhi Bhava’, which is prayer to bless the one who has provided the meal.
3. Vamakukshi (Nap) after lunch
A nap taken for 24 minutes lying on the left side after lunch is called Vamakukshi.
Underlying science : A nap after lunch enhances the blood circulation to the intestines and facilitates digestion. Consequently, the blood flow to the brain decreases, and there is slowing of its functions. That is why, during this period, resting for a short while proves to be beneficial.
Reference: Sanatan Sanstha’s Holy Text ‘Daily conduct and science underlying its Acts’
