Questions were submitted by participants during spiritual practice classes 
at CSE with Rev. O’Brian. 

What types of food are supportive of yoga practice? Is it necessary to become 
a vegetarian? How does one begin?
First, it is useful to remember that we are not trying to become more spiri-

tual with the food or lifestyle choices we make. Yoga philosophy teaches that 

we are already spiritual. Our essential nature is pure, unchanging, existence-

being. Nothing can touch or taint our essential nature; nothing can improve it 

or destroy it. Our practice of yoga is for the purpose of revealing our inherent 

spirituality—letting the radiance of our essential nature shine through the body 

and mind.
The recommended diet for those who want to live healthier, more conscious 

lives is a vegetarian, natural or whole foods diet. Becoming a vegetarian is not 

a requirement for spiritual realization nor will it make someone enlightened. 

Enlightenment already exists within us; it is not brought about by any external 

condition or circumstance. A vegetarian, whole foods diet is recommended for 

two principle reasons. First, it is simply healthier for the body and mind and 

second, it is less harmful to other beings and the environment. To have a healthy 

vegetarian diet, once should eat whole, natural foods in moderation and take in 

the proper balance of protein, carbohydrates and fats. Consuming whole, natural 

foods (ideally organically grown and fresh) assures that a full range of nutrients 

is available. It is best to avoid processed foods as they are often lacking much 

nutrient value. 

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Enlightenment Journal | Spring 2011

Questions & Answers on the Path