Modern scientific thinking often views food solely as nourishment for the body. However, many ancient texts suggest that food also nourishes the mind. A famous saying encapsulates this idea: “Jaisa khao anna waisa hove mann,” implying that our mental state mirrors the food we consume.
Indian philosophy, as reflected in Sanskrit texts, posits that food affects not just the gross body but also the subtle body, which includes the mind and senses. The senses can perceive their objects only when aligned with the mind. Thus, diet nourishes both the physical and subtle bodies. This notion is evident in several theistic philosophies, including Vedanta.
Impact of Food on The Mind in the Vedanta Philosophy
1.Chandogya Upanishad
The Chandogya Upanishad, discusses the impact of food on the mind, emphasizing the relationship between diet and mental and spiritual well-being. Here’s a detailed explanation based on its teachings:
Food and Its Impact on Mind in the Chandogya Upanishad
Reference 1:
The phrase “अन्नमशितं त्रेधा विधीयते। -annam iṣṭam tridha nidhīyate” comes from the Chandogya Upanishad, specifically in Chapter 6, Part 5, Verse 1. This phrase discusses how food is transformed and assimilated into the human body in three different ways. Let’s explain this concept:
1.Three Parts of Food:
In the Chandogya Upanishad, a story illustrates the transformative power of food. It describes how consumed food is divided into three parts: the gross part becomes feces, the subtle part becomes flesh, and the finest part becomes the mind. This division underscores the mind’s dependence on the finest essence of food for its sustenance.
· Verse Reference:
· अन्नमशितं त्रेधा विधीयते। तस्य यः स्थविष्ठो धातुस्तत्पुरीषं भवति, या मध्यमस्तन्मांसम् , योऽणिष्ठस्तन्मनः।।
· “annam iṣṭam tridha nidhīyate”Chandogya Upanishad 6.5.1:
Translation :“The food that is eaten is digested and divided into three parts: the gross part
becomes feces, the middle part becomes flesh, and the finest part becomes the mind.”
Explanation:
This concept elaborates on how food, once ingested, is processed and distributed within the body. According to the Chandogya Upanishad, food is divided into three parts:
1.Gross Part (Sthūla Bhāga):
•Deposition: This part is the heaviest and least refined. It is the solid waste that is eventually excreted from the body.
•Function: This component provides bulk to the diet and helps in the elimination of waste, maintaining the digestive health of the individual.
2.Middle Part (Madhyama Bhāga):
•Deposition: This part gets transformed into flesh and other tissues in the body.
•Function: This component is responsible for nourishing and building the body’s tissues, including muscles, fat, and other structural components.
3.Subtle Part (Sūkṣma Bhāga):
•Deposition: This is the finest and most subtle part of the food, which becomes the mind (manas).
•Function: This component nourishes the mind and supports cognitive functions, emotional well-being, and consciousness.
Philosophical Insight
This threefold division reflects the holistic view of Vedantic philosophy, where the physical body (sthūla śarīra) and the mind (manas) are deeply interconnected and influenced by the food we consume.
1.Holistic Nutrition
•Physical Health: The gross part emphasizes the importance of dietary fiber and proper elimination for physical health.
•Tissue Nutrition: The middle part underscores the necessity of adequate nutrients to build and maintain bodily tissues.
•Mental Well-being: The subtle part highlights how diet impacts mental clarity, emotional balance, and overall mental health.
2.Practical Implications
Understanding this concept can influence dietary choices, emphasizing the importance of balanced nutrition that not only supports physical health but also mental and emotional well-being. In practical terms:
•Balanced Diet: Consuming a balanced diet that includes fiber, essential nutrients, and wholesome foods can support all three aspects of this process.
•Mindful Eating: Being mindful of what we eat and how it affects our body and mind can lead to better health outcomes.
Conclusion
The phrase “annam iṣṭam tridha nidhīyate” from the Chandogya Upanishad beautifully encapsulates the ancient wisdom that food is not just a source of physical sustenance but also a crucial factor in the development and nourishment of the mind and body. This holistic approach encourages a deeper appreciation of the food we consume and its comprehensive impact on our overall well-being.
Reference 2:
The phrase “अन्नमयं हि सोम्य मन आपोमयः प्राणस्तेजोमयी वागिति। annamayṁ hi sōmya mana āpōmayḥ prāṇastējōmayī vāgiti ” comes from the Chandogya Upanishad, specifically from Chapter 6, Section 5, Verses 4 and 5. This section is part of the conversation between Uddalaka Aruni and his son Svetaketu, where Uddalaka explains the nature of the self and the relationship between the body, mind, and spirit. Let’s explain this concept:
Verse Reference: अन्नमयं हि सोम्य मन आपोमयः प्राणस्तेजोमयी वागिति।
“annamayṁ hi sōmya mana āpōmayḥ prāṇastējōmayī vāgiti ”
Chandogya Upanishad 6.5.4:
Translation:
•annamayṁ hi sōmya mana: “Dear one, the mind is made of food.”
•āpōmayḥ prāṇas: “The vital breath (prana) is made of water.”
•tējōmayī vāgiti: “Speech (vak) is made of fire.”
Explanation:
1. annamayṁ hi sōmya mana:
This phrase suggests that the mind is influenced and nourished by the food we
consume.InVedanta, it is believed that the quality and type of food directly affect mental clarity, emotions, and cognitive functions.
•Food and Mind Connection: The sattvic (pure), rajasic (active), and tamasic (inert) qualities of food influence the mind in corresponding ways. A sattvic diet promotes mental clarity and peace, a rajasic diet promotes activity and restlessness, and a tamasic diet leads to lethargy and confusion.
•Practical Implication: This emphasizes the importance of consuming wholesome, nutritious, and balanced food to maintain a healthy and balanced mind.
2.āpōmayḥ prāṇas (The Vital Breath is Made of Water)
This phrase indicates that prana, the vital life force or breath, is nourished and maintained by water.
•Water and Prana Connection: Water is essential for sustaining life, hydrating the body, and supporting physiological functions that enable the flow of prana. Proper hydration is crucial for the respiratory system, circulation, and overall vitality.
•Practical Implication: Staying hydrated and maintaining proper water intake is vital for sustaining life force energy, vitality, and overall health.
3. tējōmayī vāgiti: (Speech is Made of Fire)
This phrase suggests that speech, or the ability to articulate and express oneself, is governed by the element of fire.
•Fire and Speech Connection: In Vedic philosophy, fire is associated with transformation and energy. It represents the digestive fire (agni) that transforms food into energy and the energy required for the function of speech. Fire is also linked with clarity and sharpness of communication.
•Practical Implication: Maintaining a balanced digestive fire and overall energy levels contributes to clear and effective communication.
Philosophical Insight
This teaching emphasizes the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit and how they are influenced by the elements of food, water, and fire. It highlights the holistic approach of Vedantic philosophy and Ayurveda in understanding health and well-being.
1.Holistic Perspective
•Mind-Body Connection: The quality of food affects the mind, the presence of water sustains life energy, and the element of fire enables clear speech.
•Balanced Living: This perspective encourages a balanced lifestyle that includes proper nutrition, hydration, and maintaining energy levels for overall well-being.
Conclusion
The teaching “ annamayṁ hi sōmya mana āpōmayḥ prāṇastējōmayī vāgiti” from the Chandogya Upanishad beautifully encapsulates the profound wisdom that our mind, breath, and speech are deeply connected to the elements of food, water, and fire. It emphasizes the importance of a balanced, nutritious diet for maintaining mental clarity and spiritual health, a principle that remains profoundly relevant in today’s world.
Reference 3:
The Chandogya Upanishad is a key philosophical text in Hinduism, and the sixth chapter features a dialogue between the sage Uddalaka Aruni and his son, Shvetaketu. This section delves into the profound understanding of the relationship between the individual and the cosmos through the metaphor of the sixteen parts (kalas) of a person.
Verse: षोडशकलः सोम्य !पुरुषः पञ्चदशाहानि माशीः ।काममपः पिब । आपोमयः प्राणो न पिबतो विच्छेत्स्यत इति ।1 ।स ह पञ्चदशाहानि नाशाथ हैनमुपससाद ।किं ब्रवीमि भो इत्यृचः सोम्य !यजूँषि ,सामानीति ।स होवाच न वै मा प्रतिभान्ति भो इति । 2 ।तं होवाच यथा सोम्य !महतो s भ्याहितस्यैकोsङ्गारः खद्योतमात्रः परिशिष्टः स्यात्तेन ततो s पि न बहु दहेत् ।एवं सोम्य ! ते षोडशानां कलानामेका कलातिशिष्टा स्यात्तयैतर्हि वेदान्नानुभवस्यशान ।3 ।अथ मे विज्ञास्यसीति ।स हाशाथ हैनमुपससाद ।तं ह यत्किञ्च पप्रच्छ सर्वं ह प्रतिपेदे ।4 । तं होवाच -यथा सोम्य !महतो s भ्याहितस्यैकमङ्गारं खद्योतमात्रं परिशिष्टम् तं तृणैरुपसमाधाय प्राज्वालयेत्तेन ततो s पि बहु दहेत् ।5 ।एवं सोम्य !ते षोडशानां कलानामेका कलातिशिष्टाभूत्। सा s न्नेनोपसमाहिता प्राज्वालीत्तयैतर्हि वेदाननुभवसि ।अन्नमयं हि सोम्य !मन आपोमयः प्राणस्तेजोमयी वागिति। तद्धास्य विजज्ञाविति विजज्ञाविति ।6 ।
Translation:
“O gentle one, the person consists of sixteen parts. For fifteen days do not eat. Drink as much water as you want. The life force (prana) is made of water. If you do not drink, it will be cut off. He then fasted for fifteen days and approached his father. His father asked, ‘What do you remember, my son? Do you recall the Rig, Yajur, and Sama Vedas?’ Shvetaketu replied, ‘They do not come to my mind, Father. Uddalaka said, ‘O gentle one, if there is only one ember left from a large burning fire, it would not burn much. Similarly, when only one of the sixteen parts is left, you cannot recall the Vedas. Eat, and you will understand. Then you will understand. Shvetaketu ate and then approached his father. He was asked whatever questions, and he could answer them all. His father said, ‘O gentle one, if one ember from a large fire is covered with straw and rekindled, it can burn brightly again. Similarly, you have regained your sixteen parts and can recall the Vedas. Thus, O gentle one, you were left with one part out of the sixteen. Now, it has been rekindled by food, and you can recall the Vedas. The mind is made of food, prana is made of water, and speech is made of fire. Knowing this, Shvetaketu understood the profound truth. Chandogya Upanishad 6.7.1-6
Explanation:
•The sixteen parts (ṣoḍaśakalāḥ) refer to the constituent elements of a person. Uddalaka is about to explain these parts by putting Shvetaketu through an experiential exercise.
•Shvetaketu is instructed to fast for fifteen days but to continue drinking water. This is because, according to the Upanishad, the life force (prana) is sustained by water (apomayaḥ prāṇaḥ).
•The implication is that while the body can survive without solid food for a period, it cannot survive without water, underscoring the critical role of water in sustaining life.
•After the fifteen-day fast, Shvetaketu approaches his father, unable to recall the Vedas.
•This loss of memory and inability to recall the sacred texts is significant. It demonstrates the connection between physical nourishment and mental faculties. The body and mind are intertwined, and a weakened body affects cognitive functions.
•Uddalaka uses the analogy of a large fire reduced to a single ember to illustrate the current state of Shvetaketu. Just as a single ember cannot produce much heat, a body deprived of fifteen parts cannot function optimally.
•This metaphor shows that the various parts of a person must be in balance for full functioning.
•The instruction to eat signifies that restoring physical nourishment will also restore mental and cognitive capacities.
•After Shvetaketu eats, he regains his strength and mental faculties. This clearly shows the importance of physical nourishment in maintaining cognitive functions.
•His ability to answer all questions correctly after eating highlights the interdependence of body and mind.
•Uddalaka continues with the analogy of the ember and straw. Covering and rekindling the ember makes it burn brightly again, symbolizing the rejuvenation of Shvetaketu’s faculties through nourishment.
•The restored balance of the sixteen parts allows Shvetaketu to regain his full capabilities, both physical and mental.
•Uddalaka’s teaching emphasizes the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and vital forces. Proper nourishment ensures that all these aspects function harmoniously.
Summary:
In these verses, Uddalaka Aruni teaches Shvetaketu about the fundamental nature of the self and its connection to the cosmos. The analogy of the ember and fire, along with the emphasis on nourishment, illustrates the importance of balance among the body’s parts for optimal functioning. The teachings underscore that the mind, life force, and speech are intimately linked with food, water, and energy, respectively. This profound insight reveals the holistic nature of human existence as described in the Upanishads.
Reference 4:
This passage emphasizes the importance of purity in both physical nourishment (food) and the mental or sensory inputs we receive. Let’s explain it in detail:
Verse : आहारशुद्धौ सत्त्वशुद्धिः ,सत्त्वशुद्धौ ध्रुवा स्मृतिः ,
स्मृतिलम्भे सर्वग्रन्थीनां विप्रमोक्षः ।
“ āhārasuddhau satvashuddhih; satvashuddhau dhruvsmritih;
smritilambhe sarvagranthinam vipramokshah.” 7.26.3
Translation:
“When the food is pure, the inner self becomes pure. When the inner self is pure, a stable memory is attained. When memory (awareness) is attained, all knots (of ignorance) are loosened.”
Explanation:
· The purity of our food leads to the purity of our mind and inner being. The quality of what we consume directly affects our mental and emotional state.
•Once the mind is purified, it leads to a stable and clear memory. In this context, “memory” can be interpreted as awareness or consciousness, which becomes steady and unwavering.
· Achieving a stable and clear consciousness leads to the dissolution of all knots or entanglements, which symbolize ignorance, confusion, and emotional or mental blocks. This represents the attainment of true knowledge and liberation.
General Interpretation:
The general meaning of this teaching from the Upanishad is that the purity of the mind (or inner self) is contingent on the purity of our food. If our food is pure and sattvic (harmonious and balanced), our mind will also be pure and calm. Thus, the type of food we consume has a direct impact on our mental state.
Shankaracharya’s Interpretation:
However, Shankaracharya interprets “aahaarashuddhi” (purity of food) as the purity of the subjects perceived by the senses. According to him, it is not only the food but also the purity of what we see, hear, touch, smell, and think that matters.
Shankaracharya’s Explanation in This Context:
•Aahaar (Food): In this context, Shankaracharya refers to “aahaar” as the sensory inputs we receive through our senses.
•Purity of Senses: The purity of our sensory inputs—what we see, hear, touch, smell, and think—should be maintained.
•Impact on Mind: The purity of these sensory inputs affects the purity of the mind. Pure and sattvic (harmonious and balanced) sensory inputs lead to a pure mind.
Supporting Evidence from the Bhagavad Gita:
Shankaracharya’s interpretation is supported by his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 17, Verse 7, where the nature of food is linked to the nature of our thoughts and mental state.
Summary:
•Purity of Food (Literal): Purity of physical food leads to purity of mind.
•Purity of Sensory Inputs (Shankaracharya’s Interpretation): Purity of what we see, hear, touch, smell, and think leads to purity of mind.
•Result: A pure mind leads to stable awareness, which in turn dissolves ignorance and leads to liberation.
This teaching highlights the interconnectedness of physical nourishment and mental purity and underscores the importance of maintaining purity in all aspects of life to achieve true knowledge and liberation.
Conclusion
The Chandogya Upanishad underscores the significant impact of food on the mind, asserting that the purity of food influences the purity of the mind. It teaches that the subtlest essence of food nourishes the mind, and consuming pure and wholesome food leads to a clear and focused mind. This clarity is essential for intellectual pursuits, strong memory, and spiritual growth. The teachings of the Chandogya Upanishad resonate with the holistic approach of Ayurveda and other Indian philosophies that emphasize the interconnection between diet, mind, and spiritual well-being.
2. Impact of Food on The Mind in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, one of the principal Upanishads in Hindu philosophy, indeed emphasizes the significant impact of food on the mind. According to the text, the nature and quality of the food we consume influence our mental state and spiritual development. Here’s an elaboration on this concept:
In the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 4.2.3, the relationship between food, the physical body, and the mind is explored through the concept of subtle channels (nāḍīs) within the body. Here’s the verse and its explanation in detail:
Verse: यथा केशः सहस्रधा भिन्न एवमस्यैतां हिता नाम नाड्योsन्तर्ह्रदये प्रतिष्ठिता भवन्ति ।एताभिर्वा एतदास्रवदास्रवति ,तस्मादेष प्रतिविक्ताहारतर इवैव भवत्यस्माच्छारीरादात्मनः । । वृहदारण्यक उपनिषद् 4 /2 /3
Yathā keśaḥ sahasradhā bhinna evamasyaitāṃ hitā nāma nāḍyo’ntarhṛdaye pratiṣṭhitā bhavanti. Etābhirvā etadāsravadāsravati, tasmādeṣa prativiktāhāratarivaiva bhavatyasmācchārīrādātmanaḥ.
Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 4.2.3
Translation:
“Just as hair, when split into a thousand parts, becomes extremely fine, so too are these subtle channels (nāḍīs) called ‘hita’ located within the heart. Through these channels, the essence of food flows and spreads throughout the body. Therefore, the person becomes nourished by the essence of food taken in through these channels, sustaining the physical body and the self.”
Explanation:
1.Subtle Channels (Nāḍīs):
•The verse begins by drawing an analogy to a single hair split into thousands of fine strands, comparing it to the subtle channels within the heart. These channels are known as ‘hita’ nāḍīs, which are extremely fine and intricate pathways within the body.
2.Flow of Nutrients:
•It is explained that these subtle channels facilitate the flow of the essence of food throughout the body. The essence of the food consumed is carried by these nāḍīs, ensuring that every part of the body receives nourishment.
3.Nourishment of the Self:
•As the essence of food flows through these channels, it nourishes not just the physical body but also the self (ātman). The nourishment provided by food impacts both the gross physical body and the subtle aspects of existence, including the mind.
4.Physical and Subtle Body Connection:
•The verse highlights the interconnectedness of the physical body and the subtle body. The food we eat not only sustains our physical health but also affects our mental and spiritual well-being. The subtle channels (nāḍīs) play a crucial role in distributing this nourishment to the entire being.
Impact of Food on the Mind:
In the context of the mind, the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad suggests that:
•Mental Clarity: The purity and quality of the food consumed can influence mental clarity and cognitive functions. Pure and wholesome food can lead to a pure and balanced mind.
•Emotional Stability: The nourishment provided by food affects emotional states. Balanced and nutritious food can contribute to emotional stability and well-being.
•Spiritual Well-being: The subtle essence of food nourishes the self (ātman), which includes the mind and spirit. Proper nutrition supports spiritual practices and enhances overall spiritual health.
Conclusion:
The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 4.2.3 emphasizes the profound connection between food and the mind. The subtle channels within the body distribute the essence of food, impacting both the physical and subtle bodies. This highlights the importance of consuming pure and wholesome food for the overall nourishment of the body, mind, and spirit. The Upanishad reinforces the holistic view that food plays a critical role in maintaining physical health and fostering mental and spiritual well-being.
3.Impact of Food on The Mind in the Sankhya Philosophy
Sankhya philosophy, which views creation as the interplay of Prakriti (nature) and Purusha (spirit), also highlights the impact of food on the mind. Prakriti, consisting of the three gunas (Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas), forms the basis of the mind and its functions. Sattva is associated with purity and light, Rajas with activity and restlessness, and Tamas with inertia and darkness.
The mind’s composition and functioning depend on the balance of these gunas, influenced by the food consumed. The Bhagavad Gita categorizes food into Sattvic (pure), Rajasic (stimulating), and Tamasic (dull) types, each affecting the body and mind accordingly.
How food impacts the senses according to Sankhya Philosophy :
In Sankhya, food is considered not just as sustenance but as a powerful influence on the body, mind, and senses. Here’s a detailed look at how food impacts the senses according to Yoga and sankhya principles:
1. Sattvic, Rajasic, and Tamasic Foods:
Sattvic Foods:
•Characteristics: Pure, light, and nourishing. They enhance clarity, peace, and harmony.
•Examples: Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk, nuts, and herbs like turmeric and coriander.
•Impact on Senses: Sattvic foods promote sharpness of the mind and enhance sensory perception. They help maintain balance and tranquility in the senses.
Rajasic Foods:
•Characteristics: Spicy, salty, sour, and hot. They can stimulate and excite the mind and senses.
•Examples: Onions, garlic, chilies, coffee, and processed foods.
•Impact on Senses: Rajasic foods can increase restlessness, agitation, and sensory overload. They may disturb the balance of the mind, leading to impatience and irritability.
Tamasic Foods:
•Characteristics: Stale, overcooked, and heavy. They are considered lethargic and dulling to the mind and senses.
•Examples: Meat, alcohol, processed foods, and foods that are old or have undergone chemical treatments.
•Impact on Senses: Tamasic foods tend to dull the senses, decrease mental clarity, and promote lethargy and inertia.
Conclusion
Both the Chandogya and Brihadaranyaka Upanishads, along with Sankhya philosophy, emphasize that the mind is nourished by the essence of the food we consume. This nourishment affects mental clarity, memory, and overall cognitive function. Therefore, maintaining a Sattvic diet, characterized by purity and balance, is crucial for mental well-being.
Reference –
1-Balancing food body and Mind With Ayurveda By Jyotsna Nigam -
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