Coronavirus, or for that matter any virus, does not affect individuals with a strong immune system. The immune system of a body protects it from invading disease-causing microorganisms. How can we boost our immune system so that our bodies can avoid sickness due to germs?

Modern science has not established a proven relationship between the immune system and lifestyle. However, our ancient Vedic Knowledge has recommended lifestyle choices that are proven to shield one from “pathogens” at all levels (physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual).  Coronavirus is threatening lives by affecting one’s physical health.  

The tirst recommendation of a good lifestyle deals with what kind of food one consumes. Anything one consumes gets broken into three segments. 

  • First segment, the bulk part of the food, aids in forming the physical structure such as the bones
  • Second segment, the middle layer of the food, aids in forming the spongy tissues such as bone-marrow
  • Third segment, the core of the food, aids in the strengthening of once manas (not the physical four-chambered heart, but one that defines mental state)

The food that builds strong manas is called sattvic aahar (vegetarian food excluding onion, garlic, bottle guard, drumstick, etc).  

Immune systems originate with strong manas!

One may wonder, can strong manas really help me in defending against pathogens at the physical level, such as coronavirus, dengue, etc. Let’s think about it. Have you come across someone who is physically very strong but mentally weak. Such people end up having a hard time coping with the “unpleasant” situation in life. Whereas, people who are not very strong physically but have strong manas come to rescue others in such situations. The important aspect here is that immunity begins with strong manas.

When one has strong manas guided by proper intellect, the choices made in terms of hygiene, diet, social service, food, composed attitude, and giving nature will automatically build a strong internal defense mechanism (immune system) to progress with his goals. 

How can I assess the strength of my manas?

Manas is not a visible element. However, it’s strength or weakness is assessed by retrospection of how one reacts to the situation and the choices one makes. 

Satvic aahar strengthens your manas by fuelling it with ability to make wise decisions. 

It strengthens the manas by fuelling it with the ability to spend the right amount of energy where necessary (Raavana, rajasic in nature, spent his energy everywhere wanting to win over everyone. Sri Rama, sattvic in nature, chose his battles and spent energy only where necessary). A proper diet strengthens your manas by helping you set your priorities appropriately.

Your manas, therefore, plays a critical role in your overall well-being. Give it the right food so that you have a strong tool to use in keeping your body healthy for a happier and purposeful life.

Let’s adopt sattvic aahar and to stay healthy and free from all viruses!

– From the discourse of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji
– Feb 9 th 2020, Jammikunta, Karimnagar Dist, Telangana
– Pushkara Brahmotsavam

Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji was invited to preside over the 12th Brahmotsavams in Sri Venkateswara Swami temple at Jammikunta. Swamiji addressed the huge gathering about how temples should be learning centres and not mere prayer halls. Swamiji spoke about how we must all gather at temples at regular intervals to learn about such wisdom about manas, sattvic aahar and much more from our scriptures. We will then become great assets for a stronger society. 

Swamiji added that, “Just like strong manas shapes our bodily activities in the right direction, temples can drive societal activities with divine wisdom for the overall well-being of the world.”