Gokarna, 24 September 2026: Health and self-realisation are not separate, said Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Mahaswamiji of Sri Ramachandrapura Math.
He was speaking at a religious gathering held as part of the ‘Annam Brahma Chaturmasya’ programme at the Moola Math premises in Ashoke, Gokarna, on September 24, 2026. As part of the ‘Annam Brahma’ discourse series, the Swamiji spoke about the significance of ghee and its place in traditional Indian spiritual practices.
According to the Swamiji, Indian tradition does not treat physical health and spiritual development as completely separate. He said that what is beneficial for health can also support spiritual practice.
Ghee and Meditation
Referring to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the Swamiji said milk and ghee are recommended at the beginning of certain spiritual practices. He explained that spiritual practice requires a suitable physical and mental environment. According to him, balance among the three traditional qualities - sattva, rajas and tamasa - is important for reaching a state of deep meditation.
He said ghee is traditionally considered to support the growth of sattva, which is associated with concentration and mental clarity. Concentration can lead to meditation and, in the spiritual tradition he described, meditation ultimately leads towards liberation.
Ghee and Fire
Swamiji also spoke about the traditional connection between ghee and fire. He said the Vedas refer to ghee in connection with fire and that both are associated with upward movement. He compared spiritual progress to travelling towards a higher goal and said ghee has an important place in this traditional understanding. He described meditation as the path of Raja Yoga and said that deep meditation leads to samadhi.
Light and Coolness
Swamiji further said that a balance between warmth and coolness is important during spiritual practice. He explained that intense spiritual practices can generate heat in the body and that traditional practices also emphasize maintaining coolness.
According to him, ghee is traditionally considered both supportive of digestive fire and capable of providing a cooling effect. He compared this idea with the traditional description of the Supreme Being as having the brightness of millions of suns and the coolness of millions of moons.
Message on Practice
Swamiji said the ‘Annam Brahma’ discourse series is not being conducted merely to please anyone. He said the subjects discussed are related to spiritual practice and urged people to understand them and apply them in their own lives.
Brahmashri Neeleshwara Uchilattaya, former MLA Sunil B. Naik, JD(S) district president Suraj Naik Soni and entrepreneur Prabhakara Karanagiri were present and received the Swamiji's blessings. Ramana Bhat and his wife from Mumbai offered Gurubhiksha Seva. Keshava Bhat and his wife were present as the day's chief hosts.
Source: Sri Ramachandrapura Math / ‘Annam Brahma’ discourse, September 24, 2026
Keywords: Raghaveshwara Sri, ghee and meditation, Annam Brahma Chaturmasya, Gokarna spiritual discourse, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Sri Ramachandrapura Math, Citizen News Puttur