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  Problem with Modern Satva Much of the original wisdom surrounding satva -  a concept deeply rooted in ancient Indian and Eastern philosophy - has been obscured by time, modern agriculture, and global dietary trends. Historically, regions like India and China never knew foods such as potatoes, tomatoes, chili peppers, or avocados (all extreme yin ). Nor were there pharmaceuticals, tobacco, refined flours, white rice, hydrogenated seed oils, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, colorings, chemical additives, or pesticide-laden produce. Dairy, too, was untouched by the antibiotics and hormones used today. In this complex and artificial food landscape, the true essence of satvic food has become difficult to identify. Ancient texts have often been reinterpreted or diluted, and modern practitioners of Ayurveda, Unani, or even the TAO system frequently lack clarity on what constitutes true satva . An exception exists, however -  macrobiotics -  which offers a clear...
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  The Buddha Mind: A Practical Path Through Satvic Food   How can one begin to describe the Buddha mind? In truth, the Buddha mind defies explanation. The moment we attempt to define it; it slips through the grasp of language. As the ancients have said, “Once you can explain the Buddha mind, it is not.” All efforts to articulate it fall short, because the mortal mind cannot communicate with what is immortal. The Buddha mind has been called many things - Beingness , Emptiness, and the Indescribable - yet these are only gestures toward something far greater.   The Buddha mind cannot be reached through effort or study. It is not an outcome of practice, but a realization of what has always been present. It is not something to define or achieve; it is something to live. One simply awakens to it when the conditions are right.   As long as the body breathes, the mind remains attached - tethered to illusion and time . Even in deep sleep, when the mind becomes inactiv...
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  The Middle Path  1. What Did Buddha Sakyamuni Teach? Buddha Sakyamuni encouraged us to follow the Middle Path - to avoid extremes and calm our minds. But what does that mean when it comes to our daily life? 2. Healing With Balance: Four Traditional Systems Unani Medicine Unani teaches moderation between the extremes of hot, cold, dry, and wet: Too hot and dry : animal flesh, eggs, tobacco, strong cheeses, garlic, onions, chives - these overstimulate the mind and dry out the body. Too cold and wet : cane sugar, processed sweeteners, milk, yogurt, tomatoes, potatoes, tropical fruit in winter - these dampen and chill the system. Ayurveda In Ayurveda, the goal is satvic food - pure, nourishing, and calming for the mind: Satvic foods are organic whole grains, beans, lentils, fresh vegetables, and seaweed. These foods support digestive harmony, calming the mind. Macrobiotics This approach works with yin and yang energies: Excess yang foods can lead to...
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                                           Silence in the Himalayas: The Journey of Captain Katorch In a remote village at the foothills of the Indian Himalaya mountains,  I encountered Captain Katorch - a retired army officer whose life exemplifies true sainthood. He lives with his family on a sacred parcel of land, cultivating rice and vegetables to sustain themselves.  What truly sets Captain Katorch apart is his extraordinary commitment to silence.  He sits quietly every morning and evening for 3 hours at a time, without breathing and without heart pulse.  In this silent stillness, his mind becomes utterly inactive, and the external world dissolves into illusion - a world that is impermanent and ephemeral, a creation of the mind.  When he emerges from this total detachment, the mind again generates the world with all the phenomena and goes ...
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  The Story of Whole Organic Brown Rice Whole organic brown rice is a nutrient-rich grain that offers substantial health benefits, particularly within macrobiotic and yogic dietary frameworks. Nutritionally, brown rice retains its bran and germ, providing essential nutrients such as fiber, B vitamins, magnesium, and antioxidants like phenolic compounds and flavonoids. These components support digestion, regulate blood sugar levels, and reduce inflammation, contributing to overall health   In macrobiotic philosophy, brown rice is esteemed for its balanced yin and yang energies, making it a centering food that promotes harmony within the body.   Its grounding properties help stabilize physical and emotional states, aligning with the macrobiotic goal of achieving equilibrium through diet. https://www.tracymatesz.com/brown-rice-and-macrobiotics.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com From a spiritual perspective, brown rice is considered a sattvic food in yogic traditions, meaning it fo...
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  The Story of White Rice in India Polished Deception: How British Colonial Milling Stripped India's Rice of Its Nutritional Essence During British colonial rule in the 19th century, the introduction of mechanical milling processes transformed India's rice consumption. Traditional hand-pounded methods, which preserved the nutrient-rich bran and germ layers, were replaced by techniques that produced polished white rice. This shift prioritized taste, shelf life and visual appeal over nutritional value, leading to widespread health issues. The removal of essential nutrients, particularly thiamine (vitamin B₁), resulted in a surge of beriberi cases - a neurological disease linked to thiamine deficiency. Ironically, the discarded rice polishings, rich in these vital nutrients, were often fed to livestock or discarded, exacerbating the problem.   This colonial-era change not only altered dietary habits but also had lasting health implications for the Indian populace. The prefer...
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LINKS   Links in the book "Sacred Holistic Health" Wholesome Eating 1. Zen Macrobiotics – George Ohsawa   https://dieteticallyspeaking.com/the-zen-macrobiotic-diet/   2. Macrobiotic Guide for Living   https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/health/special-diets/what-macrobiotic-diet   3. Thinking for Ourselves   https://shimacrobiotics.org/what-is-macrobiotics/ Philosophy of Food 1. Unani System of Medicine https://www.dsir.gov.in/sites/default/files/2019-10/ISM_USM_Intro.pdf 2. The Yellow Emperor https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2287209/ 3. Zen Macrobiotics https://shimacrobiotics.org/zen-macrobiotics/ 4. Ayurveda https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/ayurveda Spiritual Power of Food  1. Eating for Spiritual Connection https://elissagoodman.com/lifestyle/eating-for-spiritual-connection/ 2.   Foods for Spiritual Awakening   https://awaken.com/2024/04/why-the-food-you-eat-ii-so-important-for-spiritual-connection/ 3. The ...