[nivosh]

Originally Posted by She-Ra

Yes exactly and basically:

In Hinduism (Sanatana Dharma and Jainism) there are three categories of food:

1.Raajasic food

2.Taamasic food

3.Saatvic food.

For those spiritually inclined, devoted to prayer, meditation, enlightenment, priests/esses etc they avoid food groups 2 and 3 such as garlic and onions as they 'block the higher channels' to enlightenment and 'God'.

That is not to say that the lower foods are bad for your body - but they are apparantly bad for the mind/soul. Groups 2 and 3 foods create and support 'negative energy' and feelings such as depression, lust, hatred etc and feed the body too sensually e.g. smell. It basically isn't conducive to pure mind and consciousnous hence during pujas, ceremonies and pious periods etc certain foods like mustard seeds are not eaten.

Those not on the spiritual path can eat them (but of course vegetarianism is a minimum requirement), they are not bad for the body in moderation and in medicine.

She-ra, you made a mistake.

groups 1+2 is bad for meditation not 3.