Swamiji narrated .. “Two people went to their Guruji one day. One devotee complained about the other devotee to the Guruji and said, “Maharaj, he has a very bad habit. He eats a lot of non-vegetarian food and I dislike this habit of his greatly. I am a vegetarian and always have ‘saatvik bhojan’. I fail to understand as to why does he have ‘taamsik’ food.” He looked at his Guru expecting a pat on his back for his ‘wise’ words. Guruji replied, ‘What is the use of the simple vegetarian food that you eat when you nurse such vitriolic thoughts and stark hatred for him and his food habits! He on the other hand could be consuming mutton, chicken and fish etc but his thoughts are pure … ‘saatvik’…and he is at peace with himself. Look at yourself. You are all worked up and agitated as you spew venom at him. Who is the better individual between the two of you?’ The devotee at fault looked sheepish and realised his folly.
Swamiji says… “We eat our meals …our food…with great relish and a sense of enjoyment. It is possible that I might prefer to eat something that is disliked by you. You could be rigid about food preferences of people and feel that you are right and correct in your assumption that food of a certain kind only should be consumed by you and others. You become critical and start criticising other people’s penchant for food and cuisine of a different kind. Never be critical of a person’s food choice … as the end recipient of your harsh and critical words is FOOD…the intake and partake of which keeps you alive. Food is food, whether it is vegetarian or non-vegetarian food. In the process of discussing and criticising the other person’s ‘so called weakness’… with others..while speaking ill of him…you allow dark, impure, negative thoughts to take a firm grip on you. Remember it is only a pure heart .. good, positive thoughts that will enable you to cleanse your soul and… feel the presence of God within you and all around you. How can you claim to be good if you curse others, compete with them, want to out – do them …at times, wish them ‘death’…yes, death ! Are you anywhere close to being good if you behave in such a heinous and critical manner?