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- Raksha Shah
Today, Religion has degenerated into cruel fanaticism and become a warehouse of fallacy, an abode of dead rituals and ridiculous and terrifying customs. The age-old trend of thought, that the Religion of the ancestors must be followed, howsoever irrational and unscientific it may be, cannot appeal to the modern, intelligent, impartial, sensible and inquisitive mind. As a matter of fact, we will have to revolutionize our way of thinking and will have to be prepared to orient our thoughts to a healthy disciplined living. We have to be ready to forthwith discard, without any hesitation and compunction those dogmas and formalities, which are in fact lifeless and are of no value for the advancement of the individual or society. How can one live in peace in such a situation ?
One of the solutions to this grave problem is to live according to the age-old principles of Self-discipline laid down by Lord Mahavira. The constant practice, in our day-to-day life can help in establishing the long-lost peace in society --- by bringing about awareness, alertness and awakening in each individual so that peace, progress and prosperity can be globally restored to once again.
According to the scriptures, self-discipline is nothing but being conscious and aware of our thoughts, words and actions at all places and all times.
In the Bhagwati Sutra, The Lord has repeatedly warned Gandhara Gautam, “SAMAYAM GOYAMA, MA PAMAYAE”
‘O’ Gautam, be cautious and careful of your acts, don’t be negligent even for a while for ignorance and negligence are the two root causes that encumber emancipation’.
A lack of self-discipline is the main reason for the failures we experience in both our personal and professional lives. It is also the underlying reason that leads to disease, obesity, financial ruin, and relationship problems at all levels. A lack of discipline in any individual, group, or society can lead to disaster.
We need to observe discipline as such in all walks of life, be it related to the food habits, work areas, education, or relationships within the family structure, the society or the nation. I would like to stress upon the observance of ‘vows’ that have been mentioned in various scriptures - especially those relating to food habits, in order to keep the body fit, it being the primary instrument in meeting the needs of the soul.
True health is nothing but:
- Absence of diseases.
- Freedom from drugs and tension.
- Freedom from toxins.
- Presence of vitality
- Ability to bear heat, cold, thirst, insult, injury
- The emergence of positive thoughts and disappearance of negative thoughts
All of these can be achieved by consuming the right kind of food. To maintain good health, one must make it a point to have:
- Food containing cellulose or roughage
- Foods that have a laxative value
- Foods that ensure the elimination of body wastes.
In fact, food that loses its freshness and savour, emits a foul odour, is stale, unclean and disagreeable to one’s system.
According to the Vratas laid down Scriptures one should observe FASTS, for fasting is one of the best medicines, which relieves the digestive system, eliminates wastes and cleanses the system. It is considered as a radical cure for diseases. It is also equally important to eat a little less than requirement, drink boiled water, eat fresh food and make it a point to eat before sunset. The three M’s - MEAT, MADIRA , and MADHYA should be avoided.
Thus, it is essential for every individual to maintain the integrity of the body, mind and soul and bring about changes in the inner orientation so as to achieve better global order and make the world a safer and better place to live in.
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