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in our minds and bodies—expressing 

luminosity and balance—we are natu-

rally drawn to consume foods that are 

wholesome, that enhance well-being 

and clarity.  To maintain physical 

health and fitness for spiritual real-

ization, one should avoid foods that 

cause discomfort or illness as well as 

foods that are stale, tasteless or overly 

processed.

How We Prepare Food

“Annadata Sukhi Bhava”

  

{An-a-data Soo-kee Ba-va}. This 

simple Sanskrit saying is a prayer 

offered by millions every day as 

a blessing for the ones who have 

prepared the food. It translates as, 

May the ones who have provided and 

prepared this food be healthy and 

happy. 

With just a few simple steps we 

can prepare food in a manner that 

demonstrates our understanding of 

the unity of all of life. We honor the 

Source of the food, those who in any 

way contributed to our being able to 

receive the food, those who prepare it, 

and those who will consume it. We can 

claim our kitchen as a prayerful space 

by keeping it clean, lighting a candle 

and saying a prayer before we begin 

our food preparation. 

How We Eat

God is the offering, God is 

the oblation. The fire and one 

who offers into the fire is God. 

God realization is attained by 

the one who sees this in every 

action.

 [Bhagavad Gita, 4:24] When 

we recognize that food is energy, 

understand its vibratory quality and 

its relationship to the body, we are 

encouraged to eat in a balanced way. 

We refrain from greed that manifests 

as over-eating or laziness which results 

in poor choices.  We begin to realize 

that our meal time is a sacred time—

and we treat it as such.  We can do this 

by following a few simple guidelines: 

Begin with a prayer—say grace— 

in a way that is meaningful to you.

Enjoy your meal in a serene, peaceful 

environment. And, eat in silence  

when possible to enhance your aware-

ness of the experience. Taste the food 

and enjoy nourishing your body 

temple.