Date: 06/22/2024 06/23/2024
Location: Star River Meditation Center
Teacher: Yunquan Huang
Sitting Meditation
Food and Meditation: The Purity of Mindful Eating
Diet directly influences the body, and the body influences the mind. A pure and mindful diet helps practitioners stay light, stable, and clear—supporting deeper and more effective meditation.
1.Why Are Diet and Meditation Closely Linked?
1.Diet affects physical heaviness and energy level
Heavy, oily, sweet, or salty foods make the body sluggish.
Simple and natural foods keep the body light and the breath smooth.
2.Diet influences emotions and mental state
Unbalanced eating can trigger anxiety, fatigue, and emotional instability.
3.Diet affects comfort during meditation
Eating too much causes drowsiness; stimulating foods cause restlessness.
Food is not only nourishment—
it is preparation for meditation.
2.What Is “Pure Eating”?
Purity is more than hygiene; it includes clarity of body, breath, and mind.
It has three essential aspects:
1.Pure food choices (What)
Choose natural and minimally processed foods:
Fresh vegetables and fruits
Whole grains
Low oil, low sugar, low salt
Nuts and legumes in moderation
Avoid heavily processed foods
The simpler the food, the lighter the body and the steadier the meditation.
2.Pure eating habits (How)
How you eat is just as important as what you eat:
Eat slowly and without rushing
Chew thoroughly
Stop at 70–80% full
Practice mindful eating: eat without screens or distractions
Mindful eating is meditation in daily life.
3.Pure mindset (Mind)
Maintain gratitude and awareness while eating:
Appreciate the origin of the food
Feel how it nourishes the body
Understand that food sustains practice
A pure mind leads to a relaxed body.
3.Recommended Diet for Meditators
1.Before meditation: light, soft, easy to digest
Examples:
Fresh fruit
Warm water or tea
A small handful of nuts
Light snacks
Avoid heavy, spicy, oily, or sugary foods, and stimulants like coffee.
2.After meditation: gentle replenishment
The body is in a relaxed state; avoid overeating.
Suitable foods:
Warm water
Light porridge
Simple vegetable dishes
3.Long-term dietary habits for practitioners
Light breakfast
Moderate lunch
Minimal or no dinner
Avoid stimulants
Avoid overeating
These habits support deepening meditation.
4.How Pure Eating Enhances Meditation
1.A lighter, more comfortable body
2.Smoother breathing
3.Better mental clarity
4.More stable emotions
5.Easier access to deep concentration
Good diet makes meditation much easier.
Conclusion
Pure Eating Is Daily Practice.
Mindful eating teaches us that:Eating is practice.Drinking is practice.
Every bite can support clarity and mindfulness.
When diet is pure, body is light,and mind becomes clear.
Meditation naturally grows deeper.
