You Become What You Consume

Om Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram. Om Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram. Glory be to the Lord, the embodiment of Truth, Consciousness, and Bliss (Satchidananda). Regarding the *Shravana* (listening), *Manana* (contemplation), and *Nididhyasana* (deep meditation) of spiritual wisdom-one must listen to it, contemplate it, and meditate upon it; furthermore, one must integrate it into one’s steadfast faith, conduct, daily life, and lived experience. The ultimate realization is that what has been heard should become the very fabric of my life. Just as food-once consumed-is not merely a fleeting taste on the tongue, but travels inward to transform into the vital essence and blood that sustains me, so too does spiritual wisdom become my very life force. Food is not merely for the act of eating; it is consumed because it is destined to become the substance of one’s life. Consequently, if your diet is unwholesome, your physical body will also develop defects and become prone to illness. It is not merely the food we eat that impacts the body; what we hear also profoundly influences our lives, and our conduct shapes our personality. Hence, the ancient wisdom states: 'As is the food consumed, so becomes the mind.' If food were solely for the gratification of the tongue-and had no deeper impact on the body-then it would make no difference what you ate. However, if something appeals to the tongue yet causes harm to the body, one must exercise caution while eating. The issue at hand is not merely about the tongue, but about the well-being of the body-and surely, you do not wish to ruin your physical health. Therefore, the act of reading or studying is not meant to be an end in itself. As the sages have asked: What *should* one listen to? What *should* one do? What *should* one read? We can categorize 'listening' and 'reading' together under a single principle: What is truly worthy of being heard? For the impact of what we hear does not remain confined merely to the ears; it penetrates deep into the mind. And once it takes root in the mind, it inevitably manifests in one’s life. Thus, the significance of spiritual wisdom extends far beyond the mere acts of listening or observing; similarly, our actions are not limited solely to the movements of our hands, but profoundly influence our inner mental state. For this very reason, a Vedic mantra-often recited as an invocation for auspicious beginnings (*Mangalacharan*)-prays: 'May we hear only that which is auspicious with our ears; may we see only that which is auspicious with our eyes.' 'Bhadram Karnebhih Shrunuyama Devaah; Bhadram Pashyema Akshabhih Yajatraah.' With the ears we have been granted, may we listen only to matters of universal welfare, beneficial counsel, and wisdom that serves to uplift and refine our lives. Let us not use our ears to listen to just anything, nor our mouths to consume just anything, nor our eyes to gaze upon just anything.