Is Your Soul Dependent on Your Diet? – A Lesson in Inner Control- Paramhansa Yogananda

Live in Joy
Live in Joy Remember, it is not only what goes into you but what comes out of you that makes you what you are. Some people who eat meat may be holy and self-controlled, and some who eat only vegetables and fruits may be knaves and lead uncontrolled lives. Above all, eat rightly, think rightly, meditate, and live in Divine Joy, night and day. Don’t Be Fanatical You must remember to follow the God-made material laws that govern your health and physical body. But do not over-emphasize the importance of the body nor be too fastidious about diet, because mind-power is more essential. There are food “cranks” whose only interest revolves around calories and vitamins, and they talk of nothing but lettuce and nuts, lettuce and nuts, until you wonder how they can be so blind to other, more interesting aspects of life. But don’t misunderstand me. I am not underestimating the value of a proper diet. I simply point out that it is better not to become fanatical about it. Affirm Divine Freedom The soul is independent of food. The body should also express this freedom of the soul. Food seems to be the greatest bondage of the soul to the body. Affirm: “Good food, any kind of food, or no food at all are alike to me because my body emanates from my soul, which is unconditioned, and I am above food, hunger, and decay. I am immortal, I am satisfied, all my wants are fulfilled. I am above hunger, decay, or death.”

Don’t Be Fanatical
You must remember to follow the God-made material laws that govern your health and physical body. But do not over-emphasize the importance of the body nor be too fastidious about diet, because mind-power is more essential. There are food “cranks” whose only interest revolves around calories and vitamins, and they talk of nothing but lettuce and nuts, lettuce and nuts, until you wonder how they can be so blind to other, more interesting aspects of life. But don’t misunderstand me. I am not underestimating the value of a proper diet. I simply point out that it is better not to become fanatical about it.

Affirm Divine Freedom
The soul is independent of food. The body should also express this freedom of the soul. Food seems to be the greatest bondage of the soul to the body. Affirm: “Good food, any kind of food, or no food at all are alike to me because my body emanates from my soul, which is unconditioned, and I am above food, hunger, and decay. I am immortal, I am satisfied, all my wants are fulfilled. I am above hunger, decay, or death.”