Yogi Shanti Desai's Philosophy
Holistic Living
 Holistic lifestyle means flowing in rhythm with nature. One needs four basic tools to find success in life or to find the greatest joy and freedom in life: health, money, time and wisdom. The first three have to exist together in a balanced way for practical benefits. For example; if one plans to take two weeks vacation one will need money time and health, if one of the three is lacking the vacation will be cancelled or interrupted. Wisdom is the most essential of all, it give direction in life.
Health
One needs physical, mental and emotional health. The body is the primary tool for life's journey. Good physical health means a healthy body and healthy senses. Good mental health means a mind that is quiet, content, open and receptive. It has to be free from restlessness, worry, fear, ambition, expectation and prejudice. Good emotional health means one's capacity to love oneself and others.
Money
One can buy some freedom and peace of mind with a surplus of money. One should exert a minimum effort to fulfill the financial needs of life. One needs to simplify life and adjust as necessary in order to obtain financial freedom, which can be utilized for the spiritual journey.
Time
Everyone has twenty-four hours during the day. One who has set priorities finds time for important things in life. If time is not managed, energy will be scattered.
Wisdom
One needs wisdom along with the above three to balance and direct them properly. Without proper direction and wisdom, success can destroy life. For example, a person may be ambitious and driven to become financially successful, but in attaining success, he sacrifices time with his family and time for spiritual growth. He ignores his health. When he attains success, he loses his capacity to enjoy life. His body is diseased and his mind is conditioned to be restless. If he balances the above three, he attains joy in everyday life from beginning to end.
The following are some guidelines for living a holistic lifestyle:
- Sleep early and wake up early before sunrise. Practice short meditation upon rising and before going to sleep.
- In the morning after waking up, brush your teeth, clean the tongue and drink a glass of warm water along with some fiber to cleanse your colon.
- Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. Reduce the consumption of salt, sugar, meat and refined pastries. Avoid canned and frozen foods.
Avoid too many food combinations.
- Eat everything in moderation to get proper nutrition. Add natural vitamin supplements
to ensure proper nutrition.
- Eat only when you are truly hungry. Practice under eating.
- Fast one day a week fully or partially to rest the stomach and vital organs. Observe silence and restrain the sense organs as much as possible to preserve energy.
- Spend time with family, eat together, meditate together, communicate and read inspirational books have fun games and laughter. Keep a room aside for family gathering and meditation. Make your home a temple so that it reduces your need to go out to social functions. Create a friendly atmosphere at work and with your co-workers and enjoy your work as worship to God.
- Practice breathing and meditation on a regular basis personally and with family members.
- Practice yoga positions routine to attune the body. Practice cardiovascular exercises to strengthen the heart. Practice meditation exercise to harmonize the mind and breathing to stimulate cellular oxygenation to your body and brain.
- Read inspirational books and occupy your mind with positive affirmations. Associate with like- minded friends and attend inspirational gatherings (Satsang) to recharge your life.
Recipe from Holistic Yoga Manual
Spinach Casserole ½ Package Fillo
½ lb melted butter
24 oz. frozen spinach (or 5
cups fresh chopped spinach)
2 chopped onion
½ green pepper
16 oz. sour cream
2 cups grated cheese
¼ cup olive pieces
1 Tbsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
Cook spinach, onion, and green pepper together. Then add everything except the butter and fillo. In a 9”x12” flat pan, make five layers. The first layer is 5 pieces of fillo, then a layer or the spinach mixture, repeat, ending with a final layer of fillo. Pour the melted butter on top. Bake at 350º F for 30 minutes or until fillo turns slightly brown.
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