Mitahara - Revision history

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	{{Short description\|Concept in Indian philosophy}}		{{Short description\|Concept in Indian philosophy}}
	{{italic title}}		{{italic title}}
	'''''Mitahara''''' ({{~~Lang-~~sa\|मिताहार\|translit=Mitāhāra}}) literally means the habit of moderate ~~food~~.<ref>[http://www.sanskrit-lexicon.uni-koeln.de/scans/MWScan/tamil/index.html mitAhAra] Monier Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary, Cologne Digital Sanskrit Lexicon, Germany</ref> Mitahara is also a concept in Indian philosophy, particularly [[Yoga]], that integrates awareness about food, drink, balanced diet and consumption habits and its effect on one's body and mind.<ref>{{Cite journal\|pages=147–153\|pmc=3331325\|year=1990\|last1=Desai\|first1=B. P.\|title=Place of Nutrition in Yoga\|journal=Ancient Science of Life\|volume=9\|issue=3\|pmid=22557690}}</ref> It is one of the ten [[yamas]] in ancient Indian texts.<ref name="KN Aiyar 1914 pages 173-176">KN Aiyar (1914), Thirty Minor Upanishads, Kessinger Publishing, {{ISBN\|978-1-164-02641-9}}, Chapter 22, pages 173-176</ref>		{{Hinduism}}

			'''''Mitahara''''' ({{Langx\|sa\|मिताहार\|translit=Mitāhāra}}) literally means the habit of moderate eating.<ref>[http://www.sanskrit-lexicon.uni-koeln.de/scans/MWScan/tamil/index.html mitAhAra] Monier Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary, Cologne Digital Sanskrit Lexicon, Germany</ref> Mitahara is also a concept in Indian philosophy, particularly [[Yoga]], that integrates awareness about food, drink, balanced diet and consumption habits and its effect on one's body and mind.<ref>{{Cite journal\|pages=147–153\|pmc=3331325\|year=1990\|last1=Desai\|first1=B. P.\|title=Place of Nutrition in Yoga\|journal=Ancient Science of Life\|volume=9\|issue=3\|pmid=22557690}}</ref> It is one of the ten [[yamas]] in ancient Indian texts.<ref name="KN Aiyar 1914 pages 173-176">KN Aiyar (1914), Thirty Minor Upanishads, Kessinger Publishing, {{ISBN\|978-1-164-02641-9}}, Chapter 22, pages 173-176</ref>

	== Definition ==		== Definition ==
	''{{lang\|sa-Latn\|Mitahara}}'' is a Sanskrit combination word, from {{lang\|sa-Latn\|Mita}} (मित, moderate)<ref>[http://spokensanskrit.de/index.php?script=HK&beginning=0+&tinput=+mita&trans=Translate&direction=AU mita] Sanskrit-English Dictionary, Koeln University</ref> and {{lang\|sa-Latn\|Ahara}} (आहार, taking food, diet),<ref>[http://spokensanskrit.de/index.php?tinput=AhAra&direction=SE&script=HK&link=yes&beginning=0 AhAra] Sanskrit-English Dictionary, Koeln University</ref> which together mean moderate diet.<ref>[http://www.sanskrit-lexicon.uni-koeln.de/aequery/index.html Moderate in eating] Apte English Sanskrit Dictionary (2007)</ref><ref>S Gowens, Ayurvedic Cooking, {{ISBN\|978-8179920558}}, pages 13-14</ref> In Yoga and other ancient texts, it represents a concept linking nutrition to the health of one's body and mind. It is considered a [[yamas]] or self-restraint virtue in some schools of Indian traditions,<ref>R.S. Bajpai, The Splendours And Dimensions Of Yoga, {{ISBN\|81-7156-964-1}}, pages 74-75</ref> ~~where one refrains from either eating too much or eating too little quantity of food, and~~ where one refrains from either eating too much or too little of certain qualities of food.<ref name=srosen>Steven Rosen (2011), Food for the Soul: Vegetarianism and Yoga Traditions, Praeger, {{ISBN\|978-0-313-39703-5}}, pages 25-29</ref><ref>Mitihara, in What is Hinduism? (Ed: Hinduism Today Magazine, 2007), Himalayan Academy, Hawaii, {{ISBN\|978-1-934145-00-5}}, page 340</ref> Mitahara is synonymous with Mātrāśin (मात्राशिन्).<ref>[http://sanskrit.inria.fr/MW/200.html mātrāśin] Monier Williams Sanskrit English Dictionary, France</ref>		''{{lang\|sa-Latn\|Mitahara}}'' is a Sanskrit combination word, from {{lang\|sa-Latn\|Mita}} (मित, moderate)<ref>[http://spokensanskrit.de/index.php?script=HK&beginning=0+&tinput=+mita&trans=Translate&direction=AU mita] Sanskrit-English Dictionary, Koeln University</ref> and {{lang\|sa-Latn\|Ahara}} (आहार, taking food, diet),<ref>[http://spokensanskrit.de/index.php?tinput=AhAra&direction=SE&script=HK&link=yes&beginning=0 AhAra] Sanskrit-English Dictionary, Koeln University</ref> which together mean moderate diet.<ref>[http://www.sanskrit-lexicon.uni-koeln.de/aequery/index.html Moderate in eating] Apte English Sanskrit Dictionary (2007)</ref><ref>S Gowens, Ayurvedic Cooking, {{ISBN\|978-8179920558}}, pages 13-14</ref> In Yoga and other ancient texts, it represents a concept linking nutrition to the health of one's body and mind. It is considered a [[yamas]] or self-restraint virtue in some schools of Indian traditions,<ref>R.S. Bajpai, The Splendours And Dimensions Of Yoga, {{ISBN\|81-7156-964-1}}, pages 74-75</ref> where one refrains from either eating too much or too little of certain qualities of food.<ref name=srosen>Steven Rosen (2011), Food for the Soul: Vegetarianism and Yoga Traditions, Praeger, {{ISBN\|978-0-313-39703-5}}, pages 25-29</ref><ref>Mitihara, in What is Hinduism? (Ed: Hinduism Today Magazine, 2007), Himalayan Academy, Hawaii, {{ISBN\|978-1-934145-00-5}}, page 340</ref> Mitahara is synonymous with Mātrāśin (मात्राशिन्).<ref>[http://sanskrit.inria.fr/MW/200.html mātrāśin] Monier Williams Sanskrit English Dictionary, France</ref>

	== Literature ==		== Literature ==
	~~{{Hinduism}}~~
	Ancient and medieval era Indian literature on ''Mitahara'' are of two categories – one relates to philosophical discussion of moderate diet and proper nutrition,<ref name=svatmaram /> the other category relate to details about ''Aharatattva'' ([[dietetics]]).<ref name=ray>[https://archive.org/stream/CarakaSamhitaAScientificSynopsis/CarakaSamhita_priyadaranjanRay#page/n25/mode/2up Caraka Samhita] Ray and Gupta, National Institute of Sciences, India, pages 18-19</ref> The former category include the Upanishads and Sutras that discuss why virtuous self-restraint is appropriate in matters of food, while the latter include [[Samhita]]s that discuss what and when certain foods are suitable. A few texts such as Hathayoga Pradipika combine both.<ref name=tts />		Ancient and medieval era Indian literature on ''Mitahara'' are of two categories – one relates to philosophical discussion of moderate diet and proper nutrition,<ref name=svatmaram /> the other category relate to details about ''Aharatattva'' ([[dietetics]]).<ref name=ray>[https://archive.org/stream/CarakaSamhitaAScientificSynopsis/CarakaSamhita_priyadaranjanRay#page/n25/mode/2up Caraka Samhita] Ray and Gupta, National Institute of Sciences, India, pages 18-19</ref> The former category include the Upanishads and Sutras that discuss why virtuous self-restraint is appropriate in matters of food, while the latter include [[Samhita]]s that discuss what and when certain foods are suitable. A few texts such as Hathayoga Pradipika combine both.<ref name=tts />

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	The [[Bhagavad Gita]] includes verses on ‘‘mitahara’’ in Chapter 6. It states in verse 6.16 that a yogi must neither eat too much nor too little, neither sleep too much nor too little, a way of life first formulated by the Buddha as the [[Middle Way]].<ref name=pt>Paul Turner (2013), FOOD YOGA – Nourishing Body, Mind & Soul, 2nd Edition, {{ISBN\|978-0-9850451-1-1}}, page 164</ref> Understanding and regulating one’s established habits about eating, sleeping and recreation is suggested as essential to the practice of yoga in verse 6.17.<ref name=pt /><ref>Stephen Knapp, The Heart of Hinduism: The Eastern Path to Freedom, Empowerment and Illumination, {{ISBN\|978-0-595-35075-9}}, page 284</ref>		The [[Bhagavad Gita]] includes verses on ‘‘mitahara’’ in Chapter 6. It states in verse 6.16 that a yogi must neither eat too much nor too little, neither sleep too much nor too little, a way of life first formulated by the Buddha as the [[Middle Way]].<ref name=pt>Paul Turner (2013), FOOD YOGA – Nourishing Body, Mind & Soul, 2nd Edition, {{ISBN\|978-0-9850451-1-1}}, page 164</ref> Understanding and regulating one’s established habits about eating, sleeping and recreation is suggested as essential to the practice of yoga in verse 6.17.<ref name=pt /><ref>Stephen Knapp, The Heart of Hinduism: The Eastern Path to Freedom, Empowerment and Illumination, {{ISBN\|978-0-595-35075-9}}, page 284</ref>

	Another ancient text, in a South Indian language, ''[[Tirukkuṛaḷ]]'' states moderate diet as a virtuous life style. This text, written by [[Valluvar]] ~~between 200 BC and 400 AD~~, and sometimes called the Tamil [[Veda]], discusses eating habits and its role in a healthy life (Mitahara), dedicating Chapter 95 of Book 7 to it.<ref name=gutenberg /> ''Tirukkuṛaḷ'' states in verses 943 through 945, "eat in moderation, when you feel hungry, foods that are agreeable to your body, refraining from foods that your body finds disagreeable". Valluvar also emphasizes overeating has ill effects on health, in verse 946, as "the pleasures of health abide in the man who eats moderately. The pains of disease dwell with him who eats excessively."<ref name=gutenberg>[http://ebooks.gutenberg.us/HimalayanAcademy/SacredHinduLiterature/weaver/eng_95.htm Tirukkuṛaḷ] {{webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227204124/http://ebooks.gutenberg.us/HimalayanAcademy/SacredHinduLiterature/weaver/eng_95.htm \|date=2014-12-27 }} see Chapter 95, Book 7</ref><ref>[https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/777453934 Tirukkuṛaḷ] Translated by V.V.R. Aiyar, Tirupparaithurai : Sri Ramakrishna Tapovanam (1998)</ref>		Another ancient text, in a South Indian language, ''[[Tirukkuṛaḷ]]'' states moderate diet as a virtuous life style. This text, written by [[Valluvar]] before c. 500 CE, and sometimes called the Tamil [[Veda]], discusses eating habits and its role in a healthy life (Mitahara), dedicating Chapter 95 of Book 7 to it.<ref name=gutenberg /> ''Tirukkuṛaḷ'' states in verses 943 through 945, "eat in moderation, when you feel hungry, foods that are agreeable to your body, refraining from foods that your body finds disagreeable". Valluvar also emphasizes overeating has ill effects on health, in verse 946, as "the pleasures of health abide in the man who eats moderately. The pains of disease dwell with him who eats excessively."<ref name=gutenberg>[http://ebooks.gutenberg.us/HimalayanAcademy/SacredHinduLiterature/weaver/eng_95.htm Tirukkuṛaḷ] {{webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227204124/http://ebooks.gutenberg.us/HimalayanAcademy/SacredHinduLiterature/weaver/eng_95.htm \|date=2014-12-27 }} see Chapter 95, Book 7</ref><ref>[https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/777453934 Tirukkuṛaḷ] Translated by V.V.R. Aiyar, Tirupparaithurai : Sri Ramakrishna Tapovanam (1998)</ref>

	Medieval era Sanskrit texts such as Dasakumara Charita and [[Hatha Yoga Pradipika]] discuss ''Mitahara''. For example, Hatha Yoga Pradipika verse 1.57 states the importance of ‘‘mitihara’’, as		Medieval era Sanskrit texts such as Dasakumara Charita and [[Hatha Yoga Pradipika]] discuss ''Mitahara''. For example, Hatha Yoga Pradipika verse 1.57 states the importance of ‘‘mitihara’’, as
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	[[Category:Relational ethics]]		[[Category:Relational ethics]]
	[[Category:Hindu ethics]]		[[Category:Hindu ethics]]
			[[Category:Sanskrit words and phrases]]

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2023-09-06T05:52:50Z

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{{Short description|Concept in Indian philosophy}}
{{italic title}}
'''''Mitahara''''' ({{Lang-sa|मिताहार|translit=Mitāhāra}}) literally means the habit of moderate food.<ref>[http://www.sanskrit-lexicon.uni-koeln.de/scans/MWScan/tamil/index.html mitAhAra] Monier Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary, Cologne Digital Sanskrit Lexicon, Germany</ref> Mitahara is also a concept in Indian philosophy, particularly [[Yoga]], that integrates awareness about food, drink, balanced diet and consumption habits and its effect on one's body and mind.<ref>{{Cite journal|pages=147–153|pmc=3331325|year=1990|last1=Desai|first1=B. P.|title=Place of Nutrition in Yoga|journal=Ancient Science of Life|volume=9|issue=3|pmid=22557690}}</ref> It is one of the ten [[yamas]] in ancient Indian texts.<ref name="KN Aiyar 1914 pages 173-176">KN Aiyar (1914), Thirty Minor Upanishads, Kessinger Publishing, {{ISBN|978-1-164-02641-9}}, Chapter 22, pages 173-176</ref>

== Definition ==
''{{lang|sa-Latn|Mitahara}}'' is a Sanskrit combination word, from {{lang|sa-Latn|Mita}} (मित, moderate)<ref>[http://spokensanskrit.de/index.php?script=HK&beginning=0+&tinput=+mita&trans=Translate&direction=AU mita] Sanskrit-English Dictionary, Koeln University</ref> and {{lang|sa-Latn|Ahara}} (आहार, taking food, diet),<ref>[http://spokensanskrit.de/index.php?tinput=AhAra&direction=SE&script=HK&link=yes&beginning=0 AhAra] Sanskrit-English Dictionary, Koeln University</ref> which together mean moderate diet.<ref>[http://www.sanskrit-lexicon.uni-koeln.de/aequery/index.html Moderate in eating] Apte English Sanskrit Dictionary (2007)</ref><ref>S Gowens, Ayurvedic Cooking, {{ISBN|978-8179920558}}, pages 13-14</ref> In Yoga and other ancient texts, it represents a concept linking nutrition to the health of one's body and mind. It is considered a [[yamas]] or self-restraint virtue in some schools of Indian traditions,<ref>R.S. Bajpai, The Splendours And Dimensions Of Yoga, {{ISBN|81-7156-964-1}}, pages 74-75</ref> where one refrains from either eating too much or eating too little quantity of food, and where one refrains from either eating too much or too little of certain qualities of food.<ref name=srosen>Steven Rosen (2011), Food for the Soul: Vegetarianism and Yoga Traditions, Praeger, {{ISBN|978-0-313-39703-5}}, pages 25-29</ref><ref>Mitihara, in What is Hinduism? (Ed: Hinduism Today Magazine, 2007), Himalayan Academy, Hawaii, {{ISBN|978-1-934145-00-5}}, page 340</ref> Mitahara is synonymous with Mātrāśin (मात्राशिन्).<ref>[http://sanskrit.inria.fr/MW/200.html mātrāśin] Monier Williams Sanskrit English Dictionary, France</ref>

== Literature ==
{{Hinduism}}
Ancient and medieval era Indian literature on ''Mitahara'' are of two categories – one relates to philosophical discussion of moderate diet and proper nutrition,<ref name=svatmaram /> the other category relate to details about ''Aharatattva'' ([[dietetics]]).<ref name=ray>[https://archive.org/stream/CarakaSamhitaAScientificSynopsis/CarakaSamhita_priyadaranjanRay#page/n25/mode/2up Caraka Samhita] Ray and Gupta, National Institute of Sciences, India, pages 18-19</ref> The former category include the Upanishads and Sutras that discuss why virtuous self-restraint is appropriate in matters of food, while the latter include [[Samhita]]s that discuss what and when certain foods are suitable. A few texts such as Hathayoga Pradipika combine both.<ref name=tts />

=== The virtue of mitahara ===
''Mitahara'' is discussed in [[Shandilya Upanishad|Śāṇḍilya Upanishad]],<ref name="KN Aiyar 1914 pages 173-176" /> as well as by Svātmārāma.<ref name=svatmaram>{{cite book|title=The Hatha Yoga Pradipika|author=Svātmārāma|author2=Pancham Sinh |publisher = Forgotten Books|edition= 5|year=1997|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9sBFttVx6ukC|isbn= 978-1-60506-637-0|page=14|quote=<br />Quote - अथ यम-नियमाः<br /> अहिंसा सत्यमस्तेयं बरह्यछर्यम कश्हमा धृतिः <br /> दयार्जवं मिताहारः शौछम छैव यमा दश}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Lorenzen|first1=David|title=The Kāpālikas and Kālāmukhas|date=1972|publisher=University of California Press|isbn=978-0-520-01842-6|pages=[https://archive.org/details/kapalikaskalamuk0000lore/page/186 186–190]|url=https://archive.org/details/kapalikaskalamuk0000lore/page/186}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Merging with Śiva: Hinduism's contemporary metaphysics |last= Subramuniya |publisher= Himalayan Academy Publications|year= 2003|isbn= 978-0-945497-99-8 |page=155 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JupkNVxfwHgC |access-date=6 April 2009}}</ref> It is one of the [[yamas]] (virtuous self restraints) discussed in ancient Indian texts. The other nine [[yamas]] are [[Ahiṃsā]] (अहिंसा): Nonviolence, [[Satya]] (सत्य): truthfulness, [[Asteya]] (अस्तेय): not stealing, [[Brahmacharya]] (ब्रह्मचर्य): celibacy and not cheating on one's spouse, [[Forgiveness#Hinduism|Kṣamā]] (क्षमा): forgiveness,<ref name=ss>Stuart Sovatsky (1998), Words from the Soul: Time East/West Spirituality and Psychotherapeutic Narrative, State University of New York, {{ISBN|978-0-7914-3949-4}}, page 21</ref> [[Dhrti|Dhṛti]] (धृति): fortitude, [[Compassion#Hinduism|Dayā]] (दया): compassion,<ref name=ss /> [[Ārjava]] (आर्जव): sincerity, non-hypocrisy, and [[Shaucha|Śauca]] (शौच): purity, cleanliness.

Some of the earliest ideas behind ''Mitahara'' trace to ancient era [[Taittiriya Upanishad]], which in various hymns discusses the importance of food to healthy living, to the cycle of life,<ref>[https://archive.org/stream/taittiriyaupanis00sankiala#page/396/mode/2up Annamaya Kosa] Taittiriya Upanishad, Anuvaka II, pages 397-406</ref> as well as to its role in one's body and its effect on Self ([[Brahman]], Atma, Spirit).<ref>[https://archive.org/stream/taittiriyaupanis00sankiala#page/740/mode/2up Realization of Brahman] Taittiriya Upanishad, Anuvaka II & VII, pages 740-789; This is extensively discussed in these chapters; Illustrative quote - "Life, verily, is food; the body the food-eater" (page 776)</ref> The Upanishad, states Stiles,<ref>M Stiles (2008), Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy, Lotus Press, {{ISBN|978-0-940985-97-1}}, pages 56-57</ref> notes “from food life springs forth, by food it is sustained, and in food it merges when life departs”.

The [[Bhagavad Gita]] includes verses on ‘‘mitahara’’ in Chapter 6. It states in verse 6.16 that a yogi must neither eat too much nor too little, neither sleep too much nor too little, a way of life first formulated by the Buddha as the [[Middle Way]].<ref name=pt>Paul Turner (2013), FOOD YOGA – Nourishing Body, Mind & Soul, 2nd Edition, {{ISBN|978-0-9850451-1-1}}, page 164</ref> Understanding and regulating one’s established habits about eating, sleeping and recreation is suggested as essential to the practice of yoga in verse 6.17.<ref name=pt /><ref>Stephen Knapp, The Heart of Hinduism: The Eastern Path to Freedom, Empowerment and Illumination, {{ISBN|978-0-595-35075-9}}, page 284</ref>

Another ancient text, in a South Indian language, ''[[Tirukkuṛaḷ]]'' states moderate diet as a virtuous life style. This text, written by [[Valluvar]] between 200 BC and 400 AD, and sometimes called the Tamil [[Veda]], discusses eating habits and its role in a healthy life (Mitahara), dedicating Chapter 95 of Book 7 to it.<ref name=gutenberg /> ''Tirukkuṛaḷ'' states in verses 943 through 945, "eat in moderation, when you feel hungry, foods that are agreeable to your body, refraining from foods that your body finds disagreeable". Valluvar also emphasizes overeating has ill effects on health, in verse 946, as "the pleasures of health abide in the man who eats moderately. The pains of disease dwell with him who eats excessively."<ref name=gutenberg>[http://ebooks.gutenberg.us/HimalayanAcademy/SacredHinduLiterature/weaver/eng_95.htm Tirukkuṛaḷ] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227204124/http://ebooks.gutenberg.us/HimalayanAcademy/SacredHinduLiterature/weaver/eng_95.htm |date=2014-12-27 }} see Chapter 95, Book 7</ref><ref>[https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/777453934 Tirukkuṛaḷ] Translated by V.V.R. Aiyar, Tirupparaithurai : Sri Ramakrishna Tapovanam (1998)</ref>

Medieval era Sanskrit texts such as Dasakumara Charita and [[Hatha Yoga Pradipika]] discuss ''Mitahara''. For example, Hatha Yoga Pradipika verse 1.57 states the importance of ‘‘mitihara’’, as
{{quote|
<nowiki>ब्रह्मचारी मिताहारी योगी योगपरायणः । अब्दादूर्ध्वं भवेत्सिद्धो नात्र कार्या विचारणा ॥</nowiki>

A brahmachari, practicing mitahara (moderate diet) and [[tyaga]] (renunciation, solitude), devoted to yoga achieves success in his enquiry and effort within half a year.|Hathayoga Pradipika|1.57<ref name=tts>[https://archive.org/stream/hathayogapradipika/hatha_yoga_pradipika#page/n45/mode/2up Hathayoga Pradipika] Brahmananda, Adyar Library, The Theosophical Society, Madras India (1972)</ref>}}

Verses 1.57 through 1.63 of the critical edition of Hathayoga Pradipika suggests that taste cravings should not drive one’s eating habits, rather the best diet is one that is tasty, nutritious and likable as well as sufficient to meet the needs of one’s body and for one’s inner self.<ref name=ksj /> It recommends that one must “eat only when one feels hungry” and “neither overeat nor eat to completely fill the capacity of one’s stomach; rather leave a quarter portion empty and fill three quarters with quality food and fresh water”.<ref name=ksj>KS Joshi, Speaking of Yoga and Nature-Cure Therapy, Sterling Publishers, {{ISBN|978-1-84557-045-3}}, page 65-66</ref> Verses 1.59 to 1.61 of Hathayoga Pradipika suggests ‘‘mitahara’’ regimen of a yogi avoids foods with excessive amounts of sour, salt, bitterness, oil, spice burn, unripe vegetables, fermented foods or alcohol. The practice of ''Mitahara'', in Hathayoga Pradipika, includes avoiding stale, impure and [[Tamas (philosophy)|tamasic]] foods, and consuming moderate amounts of fresh, vital and [[Sattva|sattvic]] foods.<ref name=srosen />

=== Dietectics and mitahara ===
[[Charaka Samhita]] and [[Sushruta Samhita]] are among the two largest surviving compendium on nutrition and diet that have survived from ancient and medieval periods of India.<ref name=ray /><ref>[https://archive.org/stream/englishtranslati00susruoft#page/n3/mode/2up Sushruta Samhita] KKL Bhishagratna, Vol 2, Calcutta</ref> Caraka Samhita emphasizes the need to plan and understand the role of diet in health, across Chapters 5, 6, 25, 26 and 27. In verse 25.31, it states "wholesome diet promotes health and growth, unwholesome diet is the most important cause of diseases". In verses 25.38-39, Caraka Samhita classifies foods into groups based on its source and taste, then categorizes them into nutritive and harmful. In Chapters 26 and 27, it suggests that the same food can be nutritive in small amounts while harmful in large amounts or if cooked improperly or if eaten together with foods its lists. Food, claims Caraka Samhita, must be tailored to needs of one's body, state of one's health, climate, season, habits and personal palatability and needs.<ref name=ray /> In the spirit of Mitahara, in Chapter 5, it insists even light, easily digested and nutritious food should be consumed in moderation and should not be consumed in excess of bodily requirements. In Chapter 6, Caraka Samhita recommends that food should be tailored to the season, with rich and fatty foods being beneficial in winter, while light soups, fruits and acidulated drinks more suited for summers. In verses 6.6-7, it suggests that the diet should be planned and nourishing foods consumed in rotation, tailored to one's health condition and personal needs.<ref name=ray />

As with Caraka Samhita, the other large compendium on health – Sushruta Samhita – includes many chapters on the role of diet and personal needs of an individual. In Chapter 10 of Sushruta Samhita, for example, the diet and nutrition for pregnant women, nursing mothers and young children are described.<ref>KKL Bhishagratna, [https://archive.org/stream/englishtranslati00susruoft#page/216/mode/2up Chapter X, Sushruta Samhita], Vol 2, Calcutta, page 216-238</ref> It recommends milk, butter, fluid foods, fruits, vegetables and fibrous diets for expecting mothers along with soups made from ''jangala'' (wild) meat.<ref>[https://archive.org/stream/englishtranslati00susruoft#page/216/mode/2up Sushruta Samhita] KKL Bhishagratna, Vol 2, Calcutta, page 217</ref> In most cases, vegetarian diets are preferred and recommended in the Samhitas; however, for those recovering from injuries, growing children, those who do high levels of physical exercise, and expecting mothers, Sutrasthanam's Chapter 20 and other texts recommend carefully prepared meat. Sushruta Samhita also recommends a rotation and balance in foods consumed, in moderation. For this purposes, it classifies foods by various characteristics, such as taste. In Chapter 42 of Sutrasthanam, for example, it lists six tastes – ''madhura'' (sweet), ''amla'' (acidic), ''lavana'' (saline), ''katuka'' (pungent), ''tikta'' (bitter) and ''kashaya'' (astringent). It then lists various sources of foods that deliver these tastes and recommends that all six tastes (flavors) be consumed in moderation and routinely, as a habit for good health.<ref>KKL Bhishagratna, [https://archive.org/stream/englishtranslati01susruoft#page/384/mode/2up Sutrasthanam, Chapter XLII] Sushruta Samhita, Vol 1, Calcutta, page 385-393</ref>

== Related concepts ==
The concept of ''Mitahara'' is discussed in over 30 different ancient and medieval era texts of Hinduism.<ref name=svb>SV Bharti (2001), Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: With the Exposition of Vyasa, Motilal Banarsidas, {{ISBN|978-8120818255}}, Appendix I, pages 672-680</ref> However, some texts use a different word and concept for the idea of "moderate diet and paying attention to what one eats and drinks". For example, Shivayoga Dipika uses the term ''Niyatāshana'' (planned, regulated eating), while Dattatreya Samhita uses ''Laghrāhāra'' (eating lightly, small portions of diverse foods).<ref name=svb />

== See also ==
* [[Ahiṃsā]]
* [[Satya]]
* [[Asteya]]
* [[Brahmacharya]]
* [[Forgiveness#Hinduism|Kṣamā]]
* [[Dhrti|Dhṛti]]
* [[Compassion#Hinduism|Dayā]]
* [[Ārjava]]
* [[Shaucha|Śauca]]
* [[Akrodha]]
* [[Dāna]]
* [[Middle Way]]

== References ==
{{reflist|30em}}

[[Category:Yoga concepts]]
[[Category:Hindu philosophical concepts]]
[[Category:Ethical issues in religion]]
[[Category:Relational ethics]]
[[Category:Hindu ethics]]