Practical Dietary Considerations
BY: BHAKTA JASON
Apr 21, 2012 — USA (SUN) — In response to recent articles regarding HH Romapada Swami's diet, I think it's a little bit immature to take a cheap shot towards Sannyasa Asrama and food requirements. Imho, etc…
Have the critics read all Srila Prabhupada letters, room conversations regarding health, etc.? Prabhupada often changed his diet and asked for certain foodstuffs… as in please send me mango pulp or bitter melon, etc. And he asked for certain foods or prasadam, as in today kitri or halava or poori and eggplant, milk or chidwa, certain fruits and vegs, etc., etc.
Of course, one may well say that is Srila Prabhupada creating practical engagements for servants, but it is also that as per time, place and circumstance, Prabhupada actually wanted and needed some kind of certain foods at that time. I'm sure Hari Sauri Prabhu, Satsvarupa das Goswami, Sruta kirti Prabhu etc. would all confirm that.
Also, householders generally eat what they want or need to eat and change diet accordingly… as a body changes its requirements due to season or stress, etc., body and mind need vitamins, minerals, and nutrient uptake.
I think it borders on impersonalism to just put together any offering to a Sannyasi or Guru without due consideration for health requirements or the needs of that person, or without asking if there are any dietary needs.
Just try living that life, constantly traveling, constant time zone/climate changes, etc., and see how long you last without taking such care, just eating temple Prasadam or ISKCON restaurant Prasadam without some balance along the way, especially with age, as in being embodied in a
50-60 year old body.
I'm sure you would soon change your tune… even just a few weeks of travelling is tiring, let alone a life dedicated to that. In times of yore no one traveled on planes, but now they do.
All the Best,
Ys, Bhakta Jason
