"The contents are not necessarily endorsed by AMAYE"

FASTING

Parama Purusa has created this world in a well-balanced way. And within this creation there is both animal existence and human life, with a unique difference separating the two.

Animals are fully bound by natural law. They have no option but to strictly adhere to the rules of prakrti; whereas human beings have been given freedom or dominion to make choices and exercise their will, within a certain degree.

Yet nature itself has been made in such a perfect way that animals always advance and benefit from following natural law. In that sense animals are comparatively more fit and healthy than common human beings because animals are forced to follow nature's ways, while humans have some scope to go against natural law, should they desire. And this whole equation, with regards to animal life and human life, is especially true with regards to food and fasting.

FASTING: A NATURAL LAW

For example, when an animal gets sick, then in their natural way they

refrain from taking food until they regain their health. And this

refraining from ingesting food-- or fasting-- is the very tool by which

animals heal themselves and recover from their sickness. So animals do not eat food for taste per se, but as a means of survival and recovery

according to the dictates or laws of nature.

So Parama Purusa has created this beautiful universe in such a way that

everything goes on according to natural law. And within all this one system is there that if the body is not functioning properly then to cure oneself there is one special method known as fasting.

HOW HUMANS DO-- IMPROPER AS WELL AS PROPER

However humans are not bound by natural law, and in this materialistic era especially, common persons eat food excessively out of greed. When they see sumptuous food, then they would like to eat it-- whether it suits them or not.

But those human beings who are sensitive and following the codes of yogic life develop an inner sense of when to take food and when not. So when the body is sick then they do not like to eat food. And that is the natural system to cleanse the body, enhance its functioning and make it perfect and pure. And for thousands of years yogis have been following this approach.

So by fasting, toxins and waste are removed; and the body is given

opportunity to recover and ultimately reach to a higher state of

functioning and wellness.

FASTING IN OUR MARGA

Hence in our AM yogic style of living, Baba has given the system of fasting whereby He directs us to observe ekadashii fasting. And some also fast on purnima and amavasya as well. And in both cases, whether 2 or 4 times per month, fasting creates a beneficial effect on the entire body. This we have all experienced.

And by following this system of regular fasting the body gets conditioned to it. And then just before the next ekadashii arrives one can internally feel that another fasting is needed.

But those who do not do fasting are deprived of the unique health benefits and instead their health breaks down and diseases crop up and their health problems get multiplied.

So in the end they have no choice but to submit themselves to a local

doctor and begin the process of taking medicine on a regular basis.

In sum Baba has given fasting as part of Sixteen Points and Baba has also said that by following 16 Points one will increase the length—and quality-- of their life. So there is a big difference between those who

follow Sixteen Points and those who do not. Those strictly following points like fasting will get an extra 15, 20, or even 30 years of quality living. Thus, for optimal health fasting is needed.

ONE MAIN DIFFERENCE: BREAKING FAST PROPERLY

So in their own ways, both animals and proper human beings do fasting. But one vast difference exists between the two on this topic. And that is that animals do not know how to properly break their fast whereas humans have been given the technique.

And it is by breaking fast properly that the body is able to maximize the benefits of the fast. Unfortunately some are not aware how to break fast.

Here the letter is getting long so in the upcoming letters these following techniques and aspects will be discussed. Kindly also write in with your thoughts.

Along with that these other points will also be raised:

~ System of Breaking ~ Wrong Breaking Invites Harm ~ Water Needed for

Digestion & Whole Body System ~ Work of the Small and Large Intestine ~

Proper Cleaning Necessary ~ Use of Lemon Water ~ 'Rounds' for Breaking ~Individual Needs ~ Gentle Process ~ Maintain Prama when Breaking ~ Warning and Guidelines ~ Stages of Cleaning ~ What and When to Eat ~ Taking Banana Baba's Special Blessing ~ Baba's Complete System ~ Proper Interest and Care Needed ~ Optimal Health ~ Suggestions from Others ~ Healthy and Happy in All the Realms.

DEEP SIGNIFICANCE OF FASTING

Baba has included fasting as its own exclusive point in Sixteen Points. Baba says, "Observe fast as prescribed." (Point no. 8 of 16 Points)

And in His supreme 'Secrets for a Long Life', Baba lists fasting as its ownentry. Baba says, "Fasting at Intervals." (Point no. 5, 'Secrets Long Life')

And furthermore in Yogic Treatment pointedly remarks how fasting helps restore the body to it balanced and natural condition. Baba says, "During fasting the body's organs get a good rest, and the healing process is more rapid." (YT, p.95)

As we know fasting is one special process for achieving and maintaining optimum health. As Ananda Margiis, we have all realized, to some or more degree, the various positive effects of fasting. And the initial mail on this topic touched on some of these universal benefits such as ridding the body of toxins, increased longevity, and enhanced quality of life etc. Certainly then fasting is a unique purification process and one most significant aspect of this practice is the approach to breaking the fast. So this article will focus primarily on a gentle yet thorough system by which one can break the fast.

HOW THE BODY IS AT THE END OF THE FAST

Of course one important thing to be aware of is that by doing a 24-36 hour dry fast-- i.e. without water-- then the body obviously becomes dehydrated. Hence the body is in a very delicate and sensitive state. In that case, if one breaks the fast in an abrasive or hasty manner then not only will they be unable to derive the many benefits of the fast but it will create harm to the body.

THE NEED FOR WATER

So one key point to keep in mind is that after dry fast sufficient water is needed to properly restore the body and help it reach that pristine state. As we all know water is an indispensable part of the functioning of the body and since the human body itself is comprised mostly of water, naturally then an adequate amount of water must be taken. And multiple reasons are there behind this.

First off, after fasting there remains undigested food & waste material

sitting in colon as well as in the large and small intestines. Often enough this waste matter is collected on the linings of the intestine, thus causing blockage. So on the one hand sufficient water is needed in order to deliver a proper and thorough cleansing of the intestines-- as well as the entire digestive track. This is one point.

It is similar to if your kitchen floor gets dirty or stained and if you try to clean it with only a few drops of water, which will never suffice. In that case it will not get clean. Whereas, if sufficient water is applied then that floor can be properly cleaned-- and it will regain its shine. Now here is another point.

Additionally, it is well known that water is one of basic ingredients for the functioning of all the organs. Thus after fasting a sufficient amount must be taken to compensate for the deficit. Plus, as discussed, water is needed in order to clean the waste from the body. So on both these accounts, and for other reasons as well, the body needs an adequate amount of water on the morning of breaking fast. However a note of caution:

"Ba'ba' strongly cautions against ever drinking a large quantity of liquid at a time, because it rapidly extends stomach, which in turn puts pressure on the heart and is very dangerous for health (one of the causes of heart-diseases."

A COUPLE POINTS OF AWARENESS

Before getting into the specifics of breaking fast, it should be mentioned that in our opinion,one, two, or even three glasses of water is not nearly enough for the breaking process. In their ignorance, some people might drink 1-2 glasses of water and then immediately start eating varieties of foods etc, but that way of doing is totally off base and should never be done. Rather on breaking fast morning first the digestive system should be cleaned thoroughly-- from top to bottom-- with water. And when that has been done completely, then solid food can be taken, but not beforehand.

BREAKING THE FAST ITSELF-- A "HOW TO" PROCESS

1. First mix 1/4 piece of lemon or lime with some salt in a dry container--preferably a plastic or ceramic container, but not metal.

2. Then add 1/2 litre to 1 litre of warm water and stir.

3. The lemon salt water mixture should be distinctly salty to taste-- butnot overly salty.

4. If your mixture is not sufficiently salty then little by little more can be added. And if really it is already too salty then simply dilute your mixture by adding more warm water.

5. Then one should begin to drink this lemon salt water. Not in one gulpper se, but in a series of comfortable sips and swallows over the course of a few minutes, without bloating the stomach.

6. After finishing that initial round of salty lemon water then one can

walk nearby for a minute or two-- either in the fresh air or indoors.

7. Plus you can gently stretch the upper body by raising the arms on the inhale and then exhaling and gently bending to the side. And repeat by bending to the opposite direction. This gently helps to hasten the

cleansing process.

8. Then as soon as one feels ready to again drink, then the next round of lemon salt water should be taken. Note: It is important not to wait too long in between rounds. As soon as the stomach feels comfortable one should again drink.

9. And like this multiple rounds should be done of drinking lemon salt

water and then walking slowly. This process should be repeated until one feels the need to go to the toilet. And overall upwards of 2-3 litres of lemon salt water can be ingested in this way. (Note: But under no circumstances should solid food be taken yet. Rather this will wreak havoc on the system as fresh food will be sitting on top of waste material. So no food should be taken at all until the entire system gets clear.)

10. By this process of drinking round after around, a strong urge will come to go to the toilet-- within 1/2 hour to one hour, depending. And initially when in the toilet a very strong smelling brown waste matter will be released. And thereafter progressively more and more liquids will be released via the rectum. This will also be brown at the beginning. But one should not worry that they have been stricken with a severe case of diarrhea. It is not like that. Rather this is the initial stage of cleaning out the digestive track.

11. Once one has begun the process of defecating & clearing the stomach and bowels. Then you can switch over from drinking salty mixture and instead begin taking pure fresh water without any salt. This fresh water will help hydrate the body and will also aid in the cleansing process.

12. In this process of cleaning one might have to visit the toilet anywhere between 3-5 times, or more. And one important thing to remember is that never should the urge be suppressed and "held in". Rather as soon as the impulse comes one should go straight to the toilet.

13. Gradually then the matter released from the rectum will go from being brown and somewhat solid to being yellowish and liquidy until finally being a completely clear liquid. And once completely clear liquid comes then in this case one can feel assured that indeed the entire digestive track has become clean-- including the intestines, colon, and stomach. Everything has become perfectly clean.

14. And by this entire process of cleansing a very light and healthy

feeling will consume the body. And one will fell very happy, fresh, and

energetic.

15. Within ten to fifteen minutes a slight feeling of hunger will come. And at that point one can eat 2-3 ripe bananas, depending on the size. But the bananas should be soft and ripe-- not green and hard.

16. And then after taking a few bananas-- and do be careful not to overeat and fill the stomach completely-- then after waiting 25 minutes it is important to again drink some fresh water. This will help in digesting the banana.

17. And thereafter when stronger hunger comes one should take some easily digestible food-- like well-hydrated rice and vegetables, or whatever is conveniently available in your area or locale. But neither strong food like citrus fruit nor heavily spiced or oily food should be taken. These should be avoided and instead more simple food should be eaten.

18. And throughout the day care should be taken to continue to drink fresh water in small amounts, but not at the same time as eating. This will help ensure the solid food gets digested properly and it will also keep the body hydrated.

TAKING PROPER CARE

One should also keep in mind that breaking fast is a highly individualized thing. And one should be gentle and listen to one's own body when undergoing this entire process.

So altogether, this is one very important and a delicate subject; it needs personal interest and proper care to see what is good and working well for you.

BABA'S BLESSING

I can never forget how in one general darshan, Baba has given the guideline that although animals know how to fast, only humans know how to break their fast properly. And those who are not aware about this technique then they should be taught at the earliest. In that way Baba spoke.

ANOTHER BABA'S BLESSING

Baba says, "When you are in a mood of pleasure, you should distribute it throughout the universe-- let all the hearts of the entire created universe dance in ecstasy. This is the goal of the day: you are for all, you are for the Neo-Humanistic progress of the entire universe." (AFPS-5)

== NATURAL WAY OF LIVING-- III ==

In this period of ekadashii, let us reflect once again on the benefits and need of regular fasting.

As we all know fasting is special practice whereby one's entire system gets cleansed and purified. Because by allowing the organs to rest and collect the toxins, the body gets the opportunity to rejuvenate itself. And of course, breaking the fast properly with a thorough cleansing process is an indispensable feature of fasting-- otherwise much of the benefits are lost. So by doing the whole fasting and breaking in a sincere and complete manner then an innumerable amount of "health and wealth" is aroused in the human structure such that the body and mind glisten with purity and lightness.

That is why we all know that Baba Himself is very strict with all margiis and acaryas on the point of fasting. And in multiple ways He reminds us that always He is watching. And this following teaching is leading in that exact manner. Baba says, "Suppose, a gentleman is undergoing fasting, and secretly in a closed room, he takes chocolate. 'No one will know, nobody will know.' But it is not so. His unit cognition will know that he has taken chocolate. And similarly, the Cosmic Father will know that in a particular room one unit

body took chocolate very secretly, and that unit body is still thinking,

that the fact that he took chocolate on a fast-day is not known to anybody. It is known to everybody. Nothing is a secret." (AV-12)

Hence Baba is acutely aware of exactly what happens-- as well as what does not happen-- on our each and every fasting day. And He wants that we sincerely follow His guideline as this is for our welfare.

That is why in dharma samiiksa and in all types of reporting sessions, Baba used to point out sadhakas on the point of fasting in front of one and all. And if one person got pointed out it was understood that if others are also falling into this same category then they should also rectify themselves. That was the spirit. It was not just that Baba was speaking to only one individual on such occasions.

Some people would wonder why Baba was pointing out margiis or Wts in front of the collective, as opposed to informing them individually. And surely the reason for this is that Baba did not have the time to speak to each and every individual on each and every particular point. So by highlighting a particular sadhaka's mistake in public, then if 4 or 5 others were doing the same wrongdoing then naturally they would get also alarmed. And the feeling would come that they too should rectify themselves. As they understood that Baba is very concerned and strict on this point. Plus, another reason is that naming the defects on the public platform was a good way of reminding one and all. Because day after day or every few days if He was pointing out a different margii or Wt on the point of fasting, then it automatically became a reminder to all those present that this was something important. So if anyone was attending the reporting for an entire week or two week period, then numerous reminders they would get. And invariably they would spread that idea to others who did not attend.

Hence overall there were at minimum two distinct reasons for pointing

people out in front of the collective: lack of time to speak to everyone on an individual basis and by this way it was a good reminder to one and all. Thus within a short period Baba could rectify and instill proper practices within countless sadhakas within the entire Marga. Overall we can say it was His special technique and blessing.

And surely every Margii and Wt will readily admit that Baba is very strict on the point of fasting. And He wants that we should all be sincere on this very point. As He tells us again and again in various ways that indeed He is always watching our each and every action.

I hope others will also come forward and share their experiences on this very topic.

BABA'S BLESSING

Here following is Baba's Blessing:

Baba says, "You boys and you girls do you realise why you were born? You were born to do something to please Parama Purusa. Always move towards Parama Purusa through your actions, through your thoughts, through your contemplation, and your goal will be attained, your purpose in coming to this world will be fulfilled." (SS-18)

Namaskar,(Satyanarayanji)

Note 1: In other postings on this very topic some have shared a very good formula for breaking fast. And that I am pasting here below for everyone's awareness:

BREAKING THE FAST ITSELF-- A "HOW TO" PROCESS

1. First mix 1/4 piece of lemon or lime with some salt in a dry container--preferably a plastic or ceramic container, but not metal.

2. Then add 1/2 litre to 1 litre of warm water and stir.

3. The lemon salt water mixture should be distinctly salty to taste-but not overly salty.

4. If your mixture is not sufficiently salty then little by little more can be added. And if really it is already too salty then simply dilute your mixture by adding more warm water.

5. Then one should begin to drink this lemon salt water. Not in one gulp per se, but in a series of comfortable sips and swallows over the course of a few minutes, without bloating the stomach.

6. After finishing that initial round of salty lemon water then one can

walk nearby for a minute or two-- either in the fresh air or indoors.

7. Plus you can gently stretch the upper body by raising the arms on the inhale and then exhaling and gently bending to the side. And repeat by bending to the opposite direction. This gently helps to hasten the

cleansing process.

8. Then as soon as one feels ready to again drink, then the next round of lemon salt water should be taken. Note: It is important not to wait too long in between rounds. As soon as the stomach feels comfortable one should again drink.

9. And like this multiple rounds should be done of drinking lemon salt

water and then walking slowly. This process should be repeated until one feels the need to go to the toilet. And overall upwards of 2-3 litres of lemon salt water can be ingested in this way. (Note: But under no circumstances should solid food be taken yet. Rather this will wreak havoc on the system as fresh food will be sitting on top of waste material. So no food should be taken at all until the entire system gets clear.)

10. By this process of drinking round after around, a strong urge will come to go to the toilet-- within 1/2 hour to one hour, depending. And initially when in the toilet a very strong smelling brown waste matter will be released. And thereafter progressively more and more liquids will be released via the rectum. This will also be brown at the beginning. But one should not worry that they have been stricken with a severe case of diarrhea. It is not like that. Rather this is the initial stage of cleaning out the digestive track.

11. Once one has begun the process of defecating & clearing the stomach and bowels. Then you can switch over from drinking salty mixture and instead begin taking pure fresh water without any salt. This fresh water will help hydrate the body and will also aid in the cleansing process.

12. In this process of cleaning one might have to visit the toilet anywhere between 3-5 times, or more. And one important thing to remember is that never should the urge be suppressed and "held in". Rather as soon as the impulse comes one should go straight to the toilet.

13. Gradually then the matter released from the rectum will go from being brown and somewhat solid to being yellowish and liquidy until finally being a completely clear liquid. And once completely clear liquid comes then in this case one can feel assured that indeed the entire digestive track has become clean-- including the intestines, colon, and stomach. Everything has become perfectly clean.

14. And by this entire process of cleansing a very light and healthy

feeling will consume the body. And one will fell very happy, fresh, and

energetic.

15. Within ten to fifteen minutes a slight feeling of hunger will come. And at that point one can eat 2-3 ripe bananas, depending on the size. But the bananas should be soft and ripe-- not green and hard.

16. And then after taking a few bananas-- and do be careful not to overeat and fill the stomach completely-- then after waiting 25 minutes it is important to again drink some fresh water. This will help in digesting thebanana.

17. And thereafter when stronger hunger comes one should take some easilydigestible food-- like well-hydrated rice and vegetables, or whatever is conveniently available in your area or locale. But neither strong food like citrus fruit nor heavily spiced or oily food should be taken. These should be avoided and instead more simple food should be eaten.

18. And throughout the day care should be taken to continue to drink fresh water in small amounts, but not at the same time as eating. This will help ensure the solid food gets digested properly and it will also keep the body hydrated.

Attention: One should also keep in mind that breaking fast is a highly

individualized thing. Everyone should be gentle and listen to their own

body when undergoing this entire process.

Note 2: Best is to review in full the prior letters on this topic. And of course if anyone has more points to add then they should certainly share that with one and all.as that will be for everyone's benefit.

== NATURAL WAY OF LIVING (continuation)

Namaskar, Each and every Ananda Margii understands that Baba has blessed us with all the gifts for a fruitful life. He has graciously bestowed upon us the needed tools, guidelines, and "know-how" for a pristine and sweet existence. And while so many of His teachings lead us in this direction, certainly His divine guidelines about fasting are also an essential ingredient. For it is by this wonderful process of regular fasting that our whole entire being gets cleansed and purified-- in all the realms of life: physical, mental, and spiritual. And that propels us forward towards our cherished Goal.

PURIFYING THE PHYSICAL BODY

On the physical plane, fasting plays a direct and significant role. because the whole health and balance of the physical body revolves around the stomach. Non-sa’dhakas may raise their eyebrows about such a statement, but those with just a little inner understanding about their bodily systems and functions recognize that the stomach is the nucleus and the most integral organ for maintaining human health on a day to day basis.

Because only in the case of the stomach does something from the external environment actually enter inside the body. And that "something" which enters is of course food which gets deposited directly into the stomach; and then in turn the various nutritional (and not-so-nutritional) components get distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream. But the stomach is the starting point.

So if the stomach is not in good working order and if it cannot do its job properly, then the immediate effect is that the limbs and the various body parts and organs get adversely affected and diseased.

And what results are problems like: Acidity, gout, rheumatism, obesity,

skin diseases, and ultimately cancer, heart disease, and more. All of this starts with the initial onset of difficulties in the stomach. And in numerous chapter of Yogic Treatment book, Baba clearly describes this.

Yet, as we may have experienced, the practice of regular fasting naturally controls all these problems. So, before any real difficulty develops the health of the human body is restored. That is why most sa’dhakas do not suffer from the aforementioned physical ailments and diseases. Instead we enjoy a strong state of health.

And if per chance any problem does arise, then in numerous chapters of His Yogic Treatment book, Baba prescribes fasting as a cure. Hence fasting is an excellent resource and remedy for various physical ailments and diseases as it helps purify the entire body.

Baba says, "Fasting is also included in the scope of Pramitaha'r, because it gives rest to the digestive organs and frees the body from so many ailments." (AV-14)

Baba says, "During fasting the body's organs get a good rest, and the

healing process is more rapid." (YT, p.95)

Thus those who fast regularly maintain a healthy and vibrant existence and find that the body becomes completely habituated and adjusted to this cycle of fasting. Such that the body is anxious and ready for the next fasting as the day approaches. This is the common experience of many sa’dhakas. And by this way the body keeps itself neat and clean.

MENTAL CLARITY AND SHARPNESS

In addition, on the mental plane also fasting has a tremendous effect.

Because we have all experienced that after a big meal we tend to feel

sleepy, tired, and even a bit dull. This is the common problem and the

reason behind this is that when we ingest food then that blood has to race to the stomach to help in digestion. And in that way less fresh oxygenated blood goes to the brain. So during fasting none of the body's crucial resources get diverted towards the stomach. In which case the body can better support one's mental functioning.

That is why on fasting day sa’dhakas experience a distinct clarity of

thought and mental freshness. The mind is flexible and sharp as it is not dragged down by the comparatively crude bodily functions such as digestion.

Another everyday example of this phenomenon is that just before an exam or important meeting or debate, no student or professional person eats a large meal.Otherwise their mental faculties will be significantly hampered.

That is why in numerous traditions people proclaim that a light stomach

equals a light mind. And fasting is an exceptional method for enhancing

mental concentration and energy.

BENEFITS IN SPIRITUAL LIFE

And of course the benefits of fasting in spiritual life are well known to all. No doubt initially at the very beginning one may feel that it is difficult to do sa´dhana on fasting days. But with just a little effort many sa’dhakas experience very good sa´dhana on those days since all of the body's energy can be utilized for spiritual pursuits. And Baba's guideline below is pointing in this same direction.

Baba says, "As a result of fasting, the poisonous and unproductive waste of the body gets destroyed and expelled. Moreover, the energy that is not expended in digesting food can be utilized for other purposes. Therefore, a fast day is an excellent time for sadhana.(CC-3)

FASTING IS NOT JUST FASTING BUT UPAVASA

Here below Baba colorfully describes how we are to spend our fasting days.BABA says, "'Upa' means proximity. And va'sa means to live, to reside. So the upava'sa word means to live near the Lord. In these days of fasting, what the aspirants are to do? Mentally they should live near their Lord. On all other days there remains a balance between external objective adjustment, and subjective approach. But on these fasting, or upava'sa, the aspirant remains more in proximity to the Lord than in other mundane duties. That's why these days are known as "upava'sa". The word 'fasting' doesn't carry the proper sense or the proper spirit of the term 'upava'sa'. To go without food, for this the proper word is anasan. 'An' means not, 'asan' means eating. And not upava'sa. So these ekadashii, amava'sya, and purnima they are, upava'sa. Do you follow?" (BABA)

And Baba's next guideline further details how fasting days are perfect for an enhanced spiritual routine.

Baba says, "These fixed [fasting] days are called upava’sa since during

these days people keeping their minds engaged in spiritual matters 'live closer' to God, and any possibility of mental degradation is averted: their humanity is not endangered by the lengthening shadows of annihilation."(NSS, p.188)

By all this we an understand that on fasting days one can enjoy heightened spiritual awareness and thus deepen their devotional link with Parama Purusa-- Baba.

CLOSING

We have all experienced how our AM practices produce a beneficial effect. We have now seen that fasting also has a direct link with one's physical, mental, spiritual development.

Note 1: Here following Baba says more about the process of upava’sa.

Baba says, "Upava’sa in the sense of fasting is also useless...if one does real upava’sa that can do a lot. The scriptural meaning of upava’sa is—by derivation-- upa which means "near", and va'sa, which means "to stay". Upava’sa therefore means "to make the mind stay near Parama´tman'". In other words, it means to withdraw the mind from thoughts of physicalities and keep it near Parama´tman'. The sanskrit word for fasting as such is anashana [remaining hungry / starving]." (AVM 23, p. 36-7)

THERE ARE MANY IMPORTANT POINTS REGARDING FASTING

This is the fourth part of this series on the benefits and importance of fasting and how to break fast. Because as we know fasting itself is not enough; as sa’dhakas it is essential that fast be broken in a complete yet gentle manner. Otherwise the health benefits of the fasting will be lost.

"Also, in the "old days", Margis used to eat an after-fasting breakfast of soaked tapioca with fruits and "gur". I believe it was because tapioca is not as widely available as bananas. And, anyway, it is good to stay away from too much prescribing and creating unnecessary, unrealistic and impractical dogmas out of a breakfast. Ayurveda, on which Ba'ba's Yogic Treatments is based, recognizes a difference in diets for different constitutions, and even bananas are not good for everyone..."