“Man seeks to change the foods available in nature to suit his tastes, thereby putting an end to the very essence of life contained in them.”
- November 23, 1926 – April 24, 2011
- Indian
- Spiritual Leader, Guru, Philanthropist, Founder of the Sathya Sai Organization
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Quote
“Man seeks to change the foods available in nature to suit his tastes, thereby putting an end to the very essence of life contained in them.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Sathya Sai Baba’s concern for how modern humanity alters natural provisions for personal convenience, often at the cost of health and spiritual harmony. By stating that man tries to “change the foods available in nature to suit his tastes,” he criticizes the tendency to manipulate or over-process food for flavor, shelf life, or appearance, rather than respecting it as a divine gift meant to nourish body and mind.
The phrase “putting an end to the very essence of life contained in them” warns that tampering with nature can strip food of its vitality, leading not only to physical consequences like disease or imbalance but also to a disconnection from nature’s sacred design. In many spiritual traditions, especially within Indian culture, food is seen as prana (life energy), and consuming it with reverence is part of living a balanced, sattvic life.
In the modern world, where fast food, chemical additives, and genetically modified products dominate diets, this teaching remains urgently relevant. For instance, diets rich in processed foods may satisfy short-term cravings but often lead to long-term health problems and emotional unrest. Sai Baba’s message encourages a return to natural, wholesome, and ethically obtained food, consumed with gratitude—thereby preserving both the body’s vitality and the soul’s alignment with nature’s rhythm.
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