Yoga, a practice that harmonises the mind, body, and spirit, is deeply rooted in principles that promote physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual awakening. A vegetarian diet, which not only emphasises plant-based foods but also avoids harm to sentient beings, is a profound reflection of yogic values, enlightening us about the deep connection between the two.
Ahimsa: Compassion in Action
The Ahimsa principle is at the heart of the connection between yoga and vegetarianism. This concept calls for practising kindness, compassion, and non-harming toward all living beings. “As understood in the current times, yoga is not practising physical exercises; it is indeed a way of life. For many practitioners, vegetarianism is not just a dietary choice but an extension of their spiritual path. On the other hand, the digestion of non-vegetarian food takes much longer,” says Arun Pandala, Director and Acharya at Sivananda Yoga Centre, Gurgaon. He is also one of the senior-most Sivananda Yoga teachers in India.
The meat and dairy industries often involve practices that conflict with compassion values, including confinement, exploitation, and animal slaughter. For people who strive to live a life of harmony and peace the Yogic way, a vegetarian diet becomes an ethical extension of their practice. It is a way to honour all living beings and live in alignment with the universal principle of non-harm.
Sattva: The Pursuit of Purity and Clarity
“Yoga encourages the cultivation of sattva, a state of purity, balance, and harmony. Sattvic foods nourish the body, calm the mind, and promote inner peace. According to yogic philosophy, the Sattvic diet includes fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds—staples of a vegetarian diet. These foods promote physical health and foster a sense of inner calm and spiritual awareness, inspiring practitioners to make ethical dietary choices, adds Arun Pandala.
There is no “quick fix” or one-size-fits-all approach. Our stress levels, nutrition needs, movement and sleep all fluctuate throughout the year, and we must alter our diets to meet the demands we place on our bodies. With an emphasis on eating natural, whole foods, it’s also essential to pay attention to what’s in season and to fill ourselves with what nature gives us. Eating enough to meet the demands we place on the body is essential– just as getting in adequate prayer that our soul calls us for, says Sujata Malik, Reiki Master and spiritual mentor. This empowers us to make conscious, ethical dietary choices that align with our individual needs and the needs of the planet.
Pranic food
Pumpkins form an integral part of most Yogic meals. According to the dietary principles of Ayurvedic and yogic traditions in India, they are considered a high-Prana food. Other foods include Ash Guard, coconut, whole grains, seeds and nuts, sprouts, honey, berries, avocados, millets, and fresh plant-based seasonal foods.
Prana: The Vital Life Force
Prana is the vital life force in yoga that sustains all living things. Prana flows through everything, and maintaining balance is essential for physical health and spiritual growth.
There is a strong belief among the patrons of the vegetarian diet and Hindu spiritual masters that when animals are slaughtered for food, their Prana is thought to diminish, leaving the meat with little or no life force. Consuming such food can disrupt the Pranic balance in the body, potentially leading to lethargy and a lower sense of spiritual awareness.
Yoga is not just a physical practice but a way of life that emphasises compassion, purity, and balance. A vegetarian diet is a natural extension of these values, aligning with the yogic principles.
