Harmony is Rooted in Regularity
The Biological Foundation of Harmony
In the study of the cosmos, we find that the profound stability of a star is not an accident of nature, but the result of a precise, relentless equilibrium. A sun maintains its existence because the massive force of gravity - the Yang principle of constant, compressive pull seeking order and density - is perfectly balanced by the outward thermal pressure of nuclear fusion - the Yin principle of expansion. When these two opposing forces are in a state of regular, predictable balance, there is harmony, and a star shines for billions of years. When this balance is disturbed, the result is chaos, collapse, or explosion. This universal law of equilibrium is not limited to the celestial bodies; it is the fundamental blueprint for the human food-body.
For the philosopher of truth, harmony is not a vague emotional state, but a biological reality rooted in regularity. The body is a creature of habit that responds most favorably when it can anticipate its own metabolic requirements. By maintaining a regular Satvic diet - eating the same pure ingredients at the same times every day - we align our internal rhythm with the universal rhythm of equilibrium. This regularity is the secret to a mind that is rendered quiet and a body that remains free from the chaos of disease.
The Intelligence of Metabolic Regularity
From a purely physiological standpoint, the body "recognizes" regularity. When we eat at the same intervals every day, the endocrine system and the digestive tract prime themselves for the task of metabolism. Enzymes are secreted in anticipation, and the blood sugar levels remain stabilized. Through personal experience, many find that the body responds to this predictability with a sense of relief. It no longer has to "guess" how to handle erratic inputs of varying quality and timing.
When metabolism works smoothly, the body becomes satisfied with less. Duality often manifests in the body as a cycle of craving and crashing, driven by irregular eating habits that overstimulate the nervous system. By contrast, a regular Satvic routine creates a "Satvic elixir" within the lower cauldron (gut), where the body begins to operate with maximum efficiency. The work of digestion becomes so streamlined that it no longer consumes the lion's share of the prana (life force), leaving that energy available for the higher pursuit of self-realization.
The Blueprint of a Balanced Day
To establish this harmony, the day must begin with a powerful, nutrient-dense start. This initial meal must include all the necessary nutrients and flavors to stabilize the constitution for the hours to come. If the first input of the day is complete and Satvic, the "love prana" reinforces its gentle ascent to the heart cauldron, preventing the mind from wandering into the mundane anxieties of the day.
Crucially, nothing should be consumed between these scheduled meals, with the exception of Kukicha (twig) tea. Digestion is a complex, focused process; to introduce even a small snack is to interrupt the "witches' brew" currently being refined in the stomach. This interruption causes metabolic friction, leading to the accumulation of imbalance and the clouding of the mind.
The Mid-Day Anchor: Vegetables and Whole Grains
Lunch should serve as the chief anchor of the day. It is here that we provide the body with a spectrum of life-giving force. This meal should be composed primarily of vegetables, supplemented by tofu, beans, and - if necessary - whole grains such as brown rice, buckwheat, quinoa, or millet. The vegetable selection should be intentional: sweet potato and Hokkaido green pumpkin provide the "sweet" Earth element that soothes the spleen and stomach, while broccoli, cauliflower, and leafy greens like Chinese cabbage, endive, or watercress provide the necessary minerals and cleansing fibers.
Seasoning should be minimalist yet potent: Shoyu, Himalayan salt, curcuma (turmeric), and black pepper. This combination ensures that the anti-inflammatory properties of the spices are activated, supporting the body’s internal "nuclear fusion" without causing the "thermal pressure" to undercool. The quantity should be measured strictly according to one's satiety - eating until satisfied.
The Evening Transition: Tsampa and Early Rest
The final intake of the day should occur no later than 4:00 or 5:00 in the afternoon. A small bowl of Tsampa (roasted grain) is the ideal choice for this transition. Simply bring the Tsampa and water to a boil, adding a little tahin, Himalayan salt, and shiso leaf for digestive support. By finishing all consumption before 5:00 PM, the body is given a significant window of time to complete its digestive cycle before sleep.
When the stomach is empty long before the head hits the pillow, the body does not have to struggle with "heavy" Yang energy during the Yin time of night. This ensures a sound sleep where the body can focus on cellular repair rather than labor-intensive digestion. From 5:00 PM until the following morning, nothing - not even water - should be taken unless absolutely necessary. This fast creates a period of "sacred emptiness" that allows the mind to settle into its natural state of tranquility.
Regularity as the Antidote to Chaos
When a human can maintain this balance, there is harmony. However, when either the Yin or Yang force becomes dominant due to irregular habits, chaos follows in the form of disease. Over-eating (excess Yin) leads to stagnation and lethargy, while irregular, stimulating inputs (excess Yang) lead to inflammation and mental agitation.
Harmony is rooted in regularity because regularity is the only way to maintain balance in a world of constant flux. The mind is an obstacle that thrives on stimulation and change; it loves the "new" and the "different" because these things keep it active and dualistic. By forcing the mind to accept a regular, repetitive, and simple Satvic protocol, we are essentially starving the ego of its favorite fuel: variety and distraction.
Conclusion: The Path of Equilibrium
It is easy to understand this harmony when we look at nature and align ourselves with the universal rhythm of equilibrium. The planets do not deviate from their orbits; the seasons do not skip their turn. When we align our "food body" with this same sense of cosmic order, the mind eventually follows suit. It becomes quiet because the body is quiet. It becomes satisfied because the body is satisfied.
Regularity in the diet is the physical foundation for the "I Am" realization. It renders the "body-mind machine" so efficient and so transparent that the observer can finally see through the illusion of the "I." There is no longer a struggle to be peaceful; peace becomes the natural byproduct of a body that is in harmony with the laws of the universe. In the end, we realize that the path to the Infinite is built with the bricks of the finite - one regular, Satvic meal at a time.
You can read more in the book Sacred Holistic Health
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