Gokarna, August 6, 2026: Food is not merely a means to satisfy hunger but a spiritual journey towards Advaita (non-duality), said Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Raghaveshwara Bharathi Mahaswamiji of Sri Ramachandrapura Math.
Delivering a discourse in the "Annam Brahma" lecture series during the ongoing Annabrahma Chaturmasya at the Ashoke Moola Math in Gokarna on Thursday, the seer explained the spiritual and Ayurvedic significance of food and digestion.
Food Becomes Part of Our Being
Sri Raghaveshwara Bharathi said food and the person consuming it are initially separate. However, after proper digestion, the food gradually transforms into blood, skin, intellect and every part of the body, ultimately becoming one with the individual.
He compared this process to human life, saying that just as food loses its separate identity and becomes part of the body, human beings should ultimately shed all worldly attachments and merge with the Supreme Being. According to him, this is the highest goal of life.
Undigested Food Becomes an Enemy
The seer said eating represents the union of one life with another, making food an expression of "Jeeva–Jeeva Advaita."
He explained that when food is properly digested and becomes one with the body, it creates harmony and joy. However, if the food fails to integrate with the body, it becomes an enemy and may lead to disease and even death.
Quoting Ayurvedic principles, he said undigested food is considered the root cause of many illnesses. "We must digest the food we eat. Otherwise, the food begins to consume us," he remarked.
Life deserves only the best quality food. Defective food not only harms our body but may also pass its ill effects to future generations. Therefore, we must provide only healthy food as fuel for the body.
| Jagadguru Sri Sri Raghaveshwara Bharathi Mahaswamiji
Eating with Reverence Leads to Higher Realisation
Sri Raghaveshwara Bharathi said complete digestion represents physical non-duality. However, consuming food with the awareness that "Annam Brahma" (Food is Divine) elevates the act into a spiritual practice that guides a person towards liberation.
He further noted that only living substances can nourish life. In contrast, lifeless materials such as soil or sand cannot become food because nature requires similarity between what unites.
Night Work is a War Against the Body
The seer also cautioned against working late at night. He said the human body functions at its highest efficiency during the day and naturally slows down in the evening to prepare for rest. Therefore, regularly working at night is "a war against the body" as it disturbs the body's natural rhythm.
During the programme, Prof. Shambhu Bhat Kadatoka, Chairman of the Religious Panchanga Committee, and scholar Patanjali Veenakara presented the draft copy of the Plavanga Nama Samvatsara Religious Panchanga to the seer and received his blessings. Guru Bhiksha Seva was offered by Ramesh Haregoppa and family on behalf of various Sagara Havyaka Mandal units.
Keywords
Ramachandrapura Sri on Food and Advaita, Ramachandrapura Sri, Annabrahma Chaturmasya, Annam Brahma discourse, Ayurveda and food, Advaita philosophy, Gokarna news