Heavy food leads to Tamasic state and induces sleep only.

There is a general
misapprehension that a large quantity of food is necessary for health and strength. Much depends
upon the power of assimilation and absorption. Generally, in the vast majority of cases, most of
the
food passes away undigested along with faeces. Take half stomachful of wholesome food. Fill a
quarter with pure water. Leave the rest free. This is Mitahara. Mitahara plays a vital part in
keeping
up perfect health. Almost all diseases are due to irregularity of meals, overeating and
unwholesome
food. Eating all things at all times like a monkey is highly dangerous. Such a man can become a
Rogi (sick man) easily; but he can never become a Yogi. Hear the emphatic declaration of Lord
Krishna: “Success in Yoga is not for him who eats too much or too little; nor for him who sleeps
too
much or too little (Gita VI-16). Again in the Sloka 18 of the same chapter, He says: “To him who
is
temperate in eating and in sleep and wakefulness, Yoga becomes a destroyer of misery.”
A glutton cannot at the very outset have diet regulations and observe Mitahara. He must
gradually practise this. First let him take less quantity twice as usual. Then instead of the usual
heavy night meals, let him take fruits and milk alone for some days. In due course of time he can
completely avoid the night meals and try to take fruits and milk in the daytime. Those who do
intense Sadhana must take milk alone. It is a perfect food by itself. If necessary they can take
some
easily digestible fruits. A glutton, if he all on a sudden takes to fruit or milk diet, will desire at
every
moment to eat something or other. That is bad. Once again I reiterate, gradual practice is
necessary.
Do not fast much. It will produce weakness in you. Occasional fasting once a month or
when passion troubles you much, will suffice. During fasting you should not even think of the
various articles of food. Constant thinking of the food when you fast cannot bring you the
desired
result. During fasting, avoid company. Live alone. Utilise your time in Yogic Sadhana. After a
fast
do not take any heavy food. Milk or some fruit-juice is beneficial.
Do not make much fuss about your diet. You need not advertise to everyone if you are able
to pull on with a particular form of diet. The observance of such Niyamas is for your
advancement
in the spiritual path and you will not be spiritually benefited by giving publicity to your Sadhana.
There are many nowadays who make it a profession to earn money and their livelihood by
performing some Asana, Pranayama or by having some diet regulation such as eating only raw
articles or leaves or roots. They cannot have any spiritual growth. The goal of life is Self-
realisation.
Sadhakas should keep the goal always in view and do intense Sadhana with the prescribed
methods.