|
of Satwic food helps us to maintain equanimity in all situations.
The Gita also declares that there should be purity of the vessels used in cooking, not only with respect to physical cleanliness, but also to the way the articles of food have been acquired; i.e., proper means and honest work, also the cooking process itself by ascertaining the thoughts and feelings of the person who is cooking the food.
We DO NOT have control over all this at all times and therefore, just before taking our food, we should pray and offer the entire meal to God, in order to cleanse and purify it. The prayer that can be used before eating is the 24th verse from the 4th chapter of the Gita and the 14th verse from the 15th chapter of the Gita.
Brahma 'rpanam Brahma havir
Brahmagnau Brahmana hutam
Brahmai'va tena gantavyam
Brahmakarmasamadhina
Aham Vais 'vanaro bhutva
Praninam dehamas 'ritah
Pranapana samayuktah
Pacamy annam caturvidham
Asathoma Sadgamaya
Thamasoma Jyothirgamaya
Mrityorma Amritamgamaya
Om....Shanthi...Shanthi...Shanthi.
Before offering this prayer, food is merely food, but once we offer it to the Lord it becomes Prasadam. This prayer removes all the defects and flaws in the vessels and in the articles of food, as well as removing any negative influence acquired during the cooking process.
Sister Vera recited what Swami says on the subject of PEACE. The very meaning of the word Peace is Love. Love and fortitude are enough to confer Peace. Shanti means "the giving up of activities of the senses". To enjoy Shanti, mankind must be controlled and directed by ideals of Dharma. Shanti depends on mutual toleration in the family.
Swami says :
Woman's real charm consists in good character;
Morality is the very breath of Woman,
Modesty the very life force.
|
|
