Transliterated from Sanskrit, Sattva means the path of equilibrium and essence.
Sattvic practices, which bring one to as state of balance, are an ultimate therapeutic approach; they are
the foundation that can unify all other therapies. Building immunity and improving the healing response in general hinge on the strength of one’s spirit.
How does one live a Sattvic lifestyle? Following are a few of the most basic principles:
Activity should be appropriate, relaxed and not excessive. Work is balanced with rest; study of an uplifting nature is borne out through spiritual practices. By strengthening the spirit, the heart flourishes, and mental conflict can be transformed i the heart’s flame of awareness. Activities such as yoga is beneficial because it helps us see the body as a facet of mind.
Diet of absolute quality, freshness and life-force. Food catagories include grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, dairy products, and legumes (specially lentils, peas, mung beans). All food is recently prepared, cooked to perfection – not over – or undercooked, not oily or greasy; spices are used in moderation, and the mind of the cook should be in the Sattvic state. Likewise, the food should be eaten in this state.
The common Sattvic spices are turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, coriander, fennel, and anise.
Raw foods are not considered purely Sattvic, in part because of the parasites and microbes they often harbor.
Raw foods can weaken one’s “center”, making digestion and assimilation weak. This in turn reduces the body’s
ability to build life-essence or “ojas”. Ojas represents the vital essence of the body, without which life ceases.
Ojas is derived from reproductive essences in the body and is necessary for growth, development, and immunity.
Proper functioning of the mind also depends on this vital essence; spirit is a transformation of ojas.
From Ayurvedic studies, we know that the Sattvic person has a clear and focused mind. They find joy in the simple everyday activities. They refrain from dishonesty, the destruction of life, thievery, sexual misconduct and intoxicant usage, because Sattvic training has enabled them to innately know how these activities stress the body and disrupt mental and emotional equilibrium. The equilibrium of Sattva is energized through guidance by spiritual essence, in contrast to the experiences of most of us, who are driven by base desires and emotions.
