Asceticism in the twenty first century

Should we starve for Self-Realization? Dr.Poonam Singh

A way out of gluttony and starvation: Penance is meant for having self restraint not for torturing ourselves. If we have to go through pain, then why this creation? The golden path is eating judicially by being fully aware of, what to eat? when to eat? and how much to eat? Till, the sadhaka wouldn’t survive, how it will be possible for him to meditate? So, every exgaggeration and extreme views must be avoided. It has been mentioned in the Gita that which type of food the Yogi should take. He should not take stale foods. He should avoid Tamasik and Rajasic type of foods. He should have only pure Sattvic foods. Interestingly, now a days, doctors are also advising the same thing. It is said that a sound mind lives in a sound body. Therefore, for the sake of thinking right and meditating right, one must be in a sound state of body. And, for being in sound bodily condition, one should eat right things, at right time and in right proportion. In Buddhism, also, it is mentioned as Samyak Aahaara. So, eating properly is also necessary for Self-Realization. This is the golden yoga (union) of gluttony and starvation.