Sattvic Diet

For the practice of Yoga and the Development of Higher Consciousness Sattva is the unifying, clear, meditative and open state of an awakened being. The only absolute hierarchy in this world is the hierarchy of consciousness. On the lower manifestations of consciousness, we have tamas and rajas. ON the higher manifestation we have Sattva, and the state transcending all qualities. These states, Sattva, Rajas and Tamas are known as the three gunas, the three qualities that all of nature takes on. The following is a chart of the three gunas, and a diet that promotes Sattva guna, and supports development of higher consciousness.

Tri Guna: The Three Qualities of Nature

Tamas
Dark Heavy Ignorance
Obstructing
Darkness
Non-Feeling
Dullness
Ignorance and Attachment
Decay and disintegration
Negative Force
Holds objects in form
Repulsive energy
Not receptive to higher growth or divine will
Goes its own way until it is shocked into change
Confusion
Retards things, holding them in specific limited forms
Insensitivity
unconsciousness

Rajas
Active, stimulating force
Initiates change, disturbs equilibrium
Divisive
Excitability
A little less ignorant than Tamas
Creates illusions, fantasies, speculations, complications, and endless activity
Recognizes divine will but distorts it towards its own ends
Can only be turned into a spiritual force with difficulty and struggle
Unstable
Brings about accumulation of waste and toxins/ negative emotions
Gives rise to emotional fluctuations
Gives rise to attachment and aversion, fear and desire

Sattva
The state of meditation
Right Action
Happiness and contentment of a lasting nature
Spiritual Purpose
Purification of body and mind
The key to healing
Neutral, balancing
Harmonizes positive and negative
Light, Love, Life
Imparts dharmic virtues
Subtlest
Key to healing
Reflects the power of divine attraction, attracting what is refined and noble
Little resistance to the divine
Can get caught in outward orientation through ³goodness² if not directed within
Easily becomes spiritual force if used with knowledge skill and detachment
Pure Sattva develops the power of divinity and purifies the body and mind on all levels.

Sattvic Diet
A Sattvic diet is matter of timing as well as food type. For example, avoid mucous producing food in morning or in the evening, when it is more likely to clog the system. Morning meal should be light and stimulating. Eat the main meal just before noon, followed by a period of relaxation. In the early in the evening, light meal. No food should be taken after dark when the body's bio-rhythms are set for detoxification.

Eat according to Dosha.

Eat Food Rich in Prana.

Fruit of all types, particularly of a sweet nature, taken fresh and whole.

Use all vegetables except onions and garlic (can use medicinally in small quantities).

Whole grains of all types, particularly rice, wheat and oats.

Beans in moderation, except those that are not too heavy like mung, aduki or tofu.

Nuts and seeds (except peanuts) yet not overly roasted or salted.

Good natural plant based oils of all types.

Dairy products from cows who have been treated well.

Natural sugars.

Sweet spices, like ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, fennel, cumin, coriander.

Herbal teas, natural water, and fruit juices.

Food prepared with love and consciousness.

Sattvic Vegetarian Diet

Avoid or Reduce
Meat and fish of all types, including eggs.
Artificial, processed and junk food of all types.
Canned Food, except naturally canned fruit.
Poor quality oils, animal fats and margarine.
Dairy products from factory farms.
Garlic, onions, and overly spicy food.
Fried foods of all types.
White sugar and white flour.
Artificial sweeteners and condiments.
Any overly cooked foods, old, stale, or recooked food.
Alcohol, tobacco, and other stimulants.
Tap water or any artificial beverages.
Any irridated food articles, microwave cooking.
Genetically engineered food items.
Food taken in a disturbed emotional environment.
Food taken too quickly.
Too much of any taste becomes Tamasic or dulling.
Complex carbs better for the mind than raw sugars.
Too light of eating can be Rajasic.
Excessively spicy, salty, and sour (i.e. vinegar, pickles, onions, garlic, chilies)