Some friends received a picture via social media and reached out to me to find out if there is any truth in a claim that Rasam could help build immunity towards Coronavirus. Is this true? In this blog post, I present the recipe for rasam, explain the science behind this sattvic recipe, and traditional practice […]
Sattva Tattva
Is Sugar Sattvic?
A reader of the Sattva Tattva #blog sent me this question: Is sugar sattvic? What are the best sugars for a sattvic diet? There are many ways we get sugar in our daily diet. An average American consumes about 270 calories of sugar each day, that’s about 17- teaspoons a day. This is way higher than 12 […]
Shivaratri Upavasa
As adults we usually fast daily. We give our stomach a rest for six to eight hours when we sleep at night. We break the fast in the morning with a protein-rich meal, a breakfast. On shivaratri day, we forgo the usual meal patterns. We undertake Upavasa. The intention is to get closer to the […]
From Darkness to Light with Shiva
Sattvic lifestyle is embedded in a life positive and celebratory framework. Celebrations on the Earth mirror celestial events such as the movement of the sun, the stars, eclipses, and phases of the moon. Embedded in this sattvic lifestyle is also a whole day to celebrate darkness and finding the light! At the physiological level, […]
Iron-rich Sattvic foods
A friend who was diagnosed with anemia inquired, “What sattvic foods are rich in iron? Can I maintain a balanced diet with iron-rich sattvic foods? How to ensure that I do not become anemic again?” Anemia is a condition where our blood is low in iron. The red color of our blood comes from […]
Bonding through Kolams
In a land flooded by sunlight and warmth, winter brings in an unfamiliar stupor and slowing down. As people living in the Western hemisphere have experienced intense withdrawal with decrease in sun’s heat and sunlight, followed by early sunset times leading to light deficit disorder. People also report mood disorder when they experience intense lethargy […]
Cultivating Joy: Focus on Sattvic Lifestyle
Daily rituals that bring eternal joy are foundations to Sattvic lifestyle. Sattvic lifestyle or conscious living supports intentional living. These intentions are set into action through a series of daily rituals. The rhythm of a sattvic lifestyle is guided by principles of active participation in life to create an authentic you. The side effects of […]
A Sacred Space at Home
A personal altar is an integral part of a sattvic lifestyle. Inviting and connecting with the cosmic energy is a part of the daily Hindu routines. Connecting with the divine is embedded in every mundane everyday activity. Last week we noted the significance of kolams. Read up our other blog posts about sattvic food, and […]
Celebrating Celestial Dance
The longest day of the winter, which falls on the full moon night of Marghazi or Dhanur month is celebrated as Thiruvadirae, Arudra Darisanam. Dedicated to Shiva, this festival is known to be observed from the time before Tevarams were composed. The festivities surrounding this day have been described in several ancient sacred texts. Tevaram […]
Artful Beginnings
Starting everyday with a creative activity can keep you cheerful, sharp, and happy throughout the day. Making kolams every morning is a part of sattvic routine for many Hindus, usually women. The routine is brisk and does not take more than ten to fifteen minutes on regular days. After a quick sweep of the surroundings, […]
Healing Powers of Turmeric
Turmeric, the chief ingredient in curry powder, has been used in Indian cuisine for centuries. It is also used in Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine. In recent years, several studies confirm the healing power of Turmeric for various types of cancers. Turmeric has been found to be effective in clinical trials for various types […]