FOOD INTAKE AND OUR LIFE AS EXPLAINED BY MAHA PERIYAVA SWAMIGAL

 

*Sambar, Rasam, Paayasa and Majjige*

 

A beautiful explanation about our own Sambar, Rasam, Paayasa and Majjige (Buttermilk) and their significance to the quality of life we lead. 

 

The explanation continues with the order of food intake as well.

 

An explanation given by SRI. KANCHI KAMAKOTI SRI MAHA PERIYAVA.

 

''What is the difference between Sambar and Rasam..?"

 

Both contain Dal, Tamarind, Salt, Spices and Asafoetida.

 

Someone from those assembled said, 'We consume Sambar first, and then Rasam, that's the difference...'

 

The Acharya laughed loudly.

 

He said, the Sambar has vegetables, but Rasam does not.

 

Based on this, the discussion proceeded.

 

Acharya's explanation:

 

If Ego occupies our mind, we get confused, that's like Sambar. 

 

But, if that Ego is not there, our mind is clear like Rasam.

 

'Taan' is the word used in many households for vegetables.

 

We should not forget this, and so, we consume each day, both Sambhar and Rasam.

 

You go to a feast. You are served Sambar,

*Rasam,*

*Paayasa*

*And Majjige*

(Buttermilk)

*in this order.*

 

Why?

 

This food culture is not found anywhere else. 

 

As soon as a man is born, 'Taan' or Ego fills in first.

 

He faces a number of problems that totally confuses him, like Sambhar, with different types of vegetables.

 

When his mind settles, it becomes clear, like Rasam - which is served next.

 

This is followed by the sweet Payasam, because your mind is settled and that which gives you happiness.

 

So many similarities between life and food.

 

Now, in the end, 

It’s Majjige or Buttermilk - which has a separate quality.

 

Once our mind is settled and we get happiness, our mind becomes one with the Lord, just like we get curd, butter, ghee and buttermilk from milk in that order.

 

Buttermilk is the last stage in our Life - from which you cannot get anything more.

 

The same way, once you attain the Lord, then there is nothing more to achieve. 

 

Majjige in the end, also indicates 'Enlightenment' and that, it’s the last item on the "menu", after which you just leave your "leaf" behind.

 

Thus, ended the Acharya's discourse. (Shared as forwarded to me).

 

S.SEKAR

Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com