Gokarna, 30 August 2026: “We know about Mars, but we still do not know enough about ourselves. The right food can become a path to discovering who we are,” said Sri Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Mahaswamiji, Jagadguru Shankaracharya of Sri Ramachandrapura Math.
Speaking at the ‘Annam Brahma’ discourse series during the ongoing Annabrahma Chaturmasya at the Ashoke Moolamatha premises in Gokarna on August 30, the seer emphasised the importance of mindful and appropriate eating.
“Food should be consumed in such a way that it becomes medicine. If we fail to do so, there may come a day when medicine itself becomes our food,” he said, stressing the need for care while choosing and consuming food.
He said properly consumed food is not merely a medicine but can itself help the body restore its balance. According to the seer, modern medicine generally focuses on repairing the body after illness occurs, whereas Ayurveda places greater emphasis on preventing illness.
‘Body and disease both come from food’
Referring to Charaka Maharshi, Raghaveshwara Sri said that those who consume wholesome food can remain free from disease for a long period. He urged people to carefully assess their food choices and consume only what is appropriate for their body.
“The body comes from food, and disease also comes from food,” he said, highlighting the close relationship between diet and health.
Food and the journey towards self-knowledge
Swamiji also referred to teachings from the Mahanarayana Upanishad, which describes a chain beginning with the Sun, clouds and rain, leading to food and ultimately to life, austerity, faith and self-knowledge.
He also cited the Chandogya Upanishad, which emphasises the connection between purity of food and purity of mind. According to the teaching, pure food contributes to a pure mind, while a pure mind enables clearer remembrance and understanding of one's true nature, ultimately leading towards self-realisation.
“Everything depends on food. If we find the answers to the questions; what is food, and what all comes from food? we will understand the significance of food,” he said.
Guru Bhiksha Seva offered
On the occasion, Shyam Bhat Kilingaru and his family offered Guru Bhiksha Seva on behalf of the Mangaluru Havyaka Mandala's Mangaluru South, Mangaluru Central, Mangaluru North, Vittal, Kalladka and Udupi Havyaka circles.
Youth leader Prashanth K.S. of Sagara, senior Human Resources Officer of Karnataka Bank Chakrapani, Girish Bhat Yellapur, Mahesh Chatnalli, Shantaram Hegde, Umesh Bhat Konamme and Ramesh Bhat Saravu were present. Sitarama Bhat Adikehittilu and his wife served as the day's organisers.
Keywords
Raghaveshwara Sri, food and health, Annabrahma Chaturmasya, Gokarna spiritual discourse, Ayurveda and food, self-knowledge, Gokarna News, Gokarna News Today, Citizen News Puttur