Introduction to Yoga and Nutrition Seminar

Ankara, Turkey – 25.02.2005

In our Yoga Center a number of different activities are held. One of those activities is being held today: Introduction to Yoga and Nutrition seminar.

Generally in Turkey, Yoga is known as a method of relaxation and disposal of stress by doing physical stretching exercises. However, those physical exercises (asanas) forms only one part of Hatha Yoga. What is the real and essential aim of Yoga? What is the role of food in achieving that goal? Today we have gathered here to gain more information about these issues.

Our instructor Ramaray starts to lecture us and everyone listens to him very carefully keeping notes. The topic focuses on especially one of the basic principles of Hatha Yoga: Appropriate Diet. Because it is one of the most important subjects for everyone.

Why should we be vegetarians? How does meat affect our body especially our mind? The topis “vegetarianism” is being discussed from the viewpoint of philosophy. The reason why we should avoid meat, garlic, onion and egg which we have consumed in considerable amounts so far is being explained. People ask questions such as: “Are these 4 types of food an obstacle for our spiritual development? What do you suggest us in order to give up them? How can we give up our bad habits? There is a sacrifice concept in Islam. How do you explain it? Don’t they conflict with what you have said? etc..” A number of suggestions are being offered on how to give up our bad habits and when it comes to “the concept of sacrifice” Ramaray explains to them its real aim. He give samples from Bhagavad-Gita and underlines the issue about the misunderstanding of sacrifice concept in Islam.

Most of the audience want to take steps into being a vegetarian but they notice how much overdependent they have been on meat, garlic, egg, and onion. We mention them some ways of cooking delicious meals without using garlic, onion, meat and egg. After the seminar we offer them prashad (food). Everyone is busy with writing the recipes.

We have come to the end of one Yoga and Nutrition Seminar. Who knows in future some of them may become a vegetarian. If they want to develop themselves in Krishna Consciousness, our instructor Ramaray will teach them how to prepare meals and how to submit it to Sri Krishna.

May God accept our all efforts as a Service for him.