A CONCEPTUAL REVIEW OF EATING PRACTICES DERIVED FROM THE SRIMAD BHAGWAD GITA

Abstract

This research paper explores sustainable food practices, focusing on the Bhagavad Gita, an ancient Indian scripture. Sustainable food practices promote environmentally responsible, socially equitable, and health-conscious approaches to food production and consumption. The Bhagavad Gita, a 700-verse Hindu scripture, is a foundational source of knowledge for sustainable food practices. It emphasizes vegetarianism, eating in sync with the sun, and spiritualizing food through offerings to God. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, incorporating qualitative and secondary data sources. The ndings reveal that food is not just a source of physical nourishment but a means to connect with divine consciousness. The principles of maintaining a vegetarian diet, aligning meal timings with the sun, and spiritualizing food through offerings to God are fundamental principles. These principles are relevant for health and the well-being of spiritual tourists, and the concept of intermittent fasting, known as "vrat," aligns with modern recommendations for healthy living. The ndings provide valuable insights for the tourism and hospitality industries, emphasizing the importance of catering to the unique dietary needs of spiritual tourists.