On Mother’s Day, we celebrate not only our own mothers but all mother figures who enrich our lives. Traditional gifts like flowers, chocolates, or breakfast in bed are common, but true appreciation goes beyond these gestures. It is a day to meditate on the unconditional love that our mothers have offered us all these years. While these gestures are heartfelt, they fall short if we overlook the universal essence of motherhood, which extends to all living beings. Recognizing this broader perspective allows us to reciprocate this love in a more meaningful way.nd ways to reciprocate that love universally…
EXCERPT: FOOD YOGA – Nourishing Body, Mind & Soul
In Vedic tradition, life is enriched by seven types of mothers: our biological mother, the wife of a teacher or spiritual master, the wife of a priest, the queen, the cow, the nurse or caregiver, and Mother Earth.
The first mother is our biological mother, from whose womb we have come to this world. Then there is the wife of the teacher or spiritual master; the wife of a priest; the wife of the king, or the queen; the cow; the nurse or caregiver; and, finally, the earth, often referred to as “Mother Nature.” In Sanskrit, the country in which we take birth is called desa matrika or “motherland.” We refer to our language as “mother tongue.” So you can see that there are so many mothers, including the cow, in the Hindu tradition, because of her selfless service to provide milk. In India, a cow is sometimes addressed as amba, which also means mother.
A defining trait of all true mothers is their selfless, loving service to those in their care. This nurturing spirit is a life-giving force, evident in both human and nature’s mothers. This pure loving intention is the true life-giving force that our mothers nurture us with. Whether it is milk from her breast or the fruit of a tree, a mother’s offering is pure. No matter how hard modern science tries to emulate the pure offering of a mother, it will never succeed. The failed history of baby formula is a case in point. In a recent report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), tests performed on liquid baby formulas found that they all contained bisphenol A (BPA). All major baby formula manufacturers use this leaching, hormone-mimicking chemical in the linings of the metal cans in which baby formula is sold.
BPA has been found to cause hyperactivity, reproductive abnormalities and pediatric brain cancer in lab animals. Increasingly, scientists suspect that BPA might be linked to several medical problems in humans, including breast and testicular cancer.
Humans cannot actually manufacture food. We can manipulate ingredients, but it is impossible for us to create food from scratch. Of course you could plant a seed and cultivate a garden, but who created the seed? Within every seed lies a dormant plant or tree, ready to fruit and spread more seed. The phenomenon is an endless cycle of kinetic transmutation of nature, to which Man has little to do with. American Playwright, George
Bernard Shaw put it this way:
Think of the fierce energy concentrated in an acorn! You bury it in the ground, and it explodes into an oak! Bury a sheep, and nothing happens but decay.
Despite advances in food technology, including cloning and genetic modification, scientists have yet to create a single blade of grass from scratch. This highlights the unparalleled creativity of Mother Nature. Genetic engineering (GE) and genetically modified organisms (GMO) are, in reality, just modifications of what has already been naturally created by Mother Nature. It is absurd to think that we can ever match the brilliance of Mother Nature and create like her.
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| Massive offering of food to Radha and Krishna in Mayapur, India. |
The beginning of true human evolution comes when we acknowledge this dependence on the Great Creators (the Divine Masculine and the Divine Feminine) and begin to offer our food to them with gratitude and love. Only when we understand our innate connection to our Creators can we begin to experience genuine happiness and contentment, just as a fish does when returned to water, its natural environment. Offering food back to our Source with love acknowledges our reliance on a higher power and expresses gratitude practically. This act strengthens our connection to the divine and the world around us. For example, when a young child offers her parents a “work of art” with sincere love, the parents naturally accept the offering of love with gratitude. No God or Goddess requires our humble offering, but they will accept the loving energy invested in it with great satisfaction. This symbiotic and dynamic reciprocation of love is what energizes and maintains the entire creation.
American marine biologist and nature writer, Rachel Louise Carson,
[1] whose writings are credited with advancing the global environmental movement,
once said:
Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.
The earth’s beauty goes beyond its external splendor. It’s a testament to the selfless service of Mother Earth, who provides everything we need to thrive. Mother Earth serves us day after day, selflessly producing everything we need to survive. By appreciating her loving actions day after day we align our consciousness with the most powerful energy in the Universe – love. One way to appreciate and reciprocate that selfless love is by adopting the “
Food Yogi Diet.”
FAQ
Q: What is the significance of Mother’s Day?
A: Mother’s Day is a celebration of all mothers and mother figures, recognizing their unconditional love and selfless service. It’s a day to express gratitude and honor the nurturing spirit that mothers embody.
Q: How can we honor mothers beyond traditional gifts?
A: Beyond traditional gifts, we can honor mothers by acknowledging the universal essence of motherhood. Acts of kindness, spending quality time, and supporting causes that benefit mothers worldwide are meaningful gestures.
Q: What are the seven types of mothers in Vedic tradition?
A: In Vedic tradition, the seven types of mothers include the biological mother, the wife of a teacher or spiritual master, the wife of a priest, the queen, the cow, the nurse or caregiver, and Mother Earth.
Q: Why is Mother Earth considered a mother figure?
A: Mother Earth is considered a mother figure because she provides everything we need to survive, from food to shelter. Her selfless service and nurturing qualities align with the essence of motherhood.
Q: How does the “Food Yogi Diet” relate to motherhood?
A: The “Food Yogi Diet” relates to motherhood by promoting gratitude and mindful consumption, honoring the selfless love of Mother Earth. It encourages a deeper connection with nature and our food sources.
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