Yuktāhāra: A Yogic Blessing to Mankind

Abstract: The entire world is suffering from a restless attitude due to becoming part of a worthless competition. As part of this meaningless competition, people from all sects, religions, cultures, classes, ages, sectors, and occupations try to achieve something beyond their necessity and capacity. This unethical and unhealthy competition increases the fear of losing slowly. In the end, it becomes the root of behavioral disorders, physical disorders, and mental disorders. It is a matter of joy that those physically and mentally exhausted people are taking shelter in the abode of yogic science. Through the practice of different āsanas, mudrās, bandhas, kriyās, prāṇāyāma, meditation etcetera under the able guidance of experts, they make themselves physically fit by preventing and curing ailments. The concept of yuktāhāra is one among them. It is always true that the physical body cannot be sustained and nourished without food. But Yoga makes this food nectar by prescribing perfect quality, measured quantity, and proper schedule for food. Yūktāhāra does not promote fasting or overeating. It recommends those foods which are nutritious, easily digestible, proper, pure, and agreeable. The practice of this truly measured diet brings physical strength and mental stability which are necessary to make a practitioner fit for the further journey in the path of Yoga. Nowadays, yogic practices seem to be the best practices for the welfare of mankind.