Diwali, the festival of lights, is a time for celebration, reflection, and renewal. It’s a time when we welcome the return of Lord Rama from his exile, symbolizing the victory of good over evil and the triumph of light over darkness. But Diwali is also a time to look inward and connect with our true selves.
This year, join me on a virtual Ayurvedic cooking journey as we explore the deeper meaning of Diwali through the lens of ancient wisdom and delicious, nourishing food.
The Story of King Janaka and the Search for Reality:
The Ramayana, the epic tale of Lord Rama, is filled with profound stories within stories. One of my favorites is that of King Janaka and his quest to understand the nature of reality.
King Janaka, caught in the midst of a ferocious battle, finds himself fleeing for his life. Seeking refuge in the forest, he endures a night of fear and uncertainty. Exhausted, he stumbles upon a humble hut and receives sustenance and shelter. As he rests, a wave of sadness washes over him as he reflects on the losses he has suffered – his friends, his family, his kingdom. Overcome with grief, he breaks down.
But then, he wakes up. He’s in his palace, surrounded by comfort and security. It had all been a dream. Relieved but deeply unsettled, he’s left grappling with a profound question: What is real?
His quest for an answer leads him to a wise sage, Ashtavakra, who imparts a powerful message about the true nature of our being. Ashtavakra, often depicted as physically deformed, challenges the King’s perception, urging him to see beyond the superficial.
He compares life to a dream, like a season of the TV show “Dallas” where a main character died, only to reappear later, revealing the entire season as just a dream. Just as the viewer is the only constant throughout the changing storylines, Ashtavakra explains that it is our consciousness, the silent observer of both our waking and dreaming states, that is the ultimate reality.
Connecting to Our True Selves Through Ayurvedic Cooking:
This Diwali, as we celebrate the triumph of light, let’s also embark on our own journey of self-discovery. Just like King Janaka, we can use this time to look inward and connect with our true selves.
And what better way to do that than through the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda?
Ayurvedic cooking is not just about preparing food, it’s about creating a harmonious balance between our mind, body, and spirit. It’s about understanding our unique constitution and nourishing ourselves with foods that promote well-being.
Join me for a virtual Ayurvedic cooking class this Diwali, where we’ll prepare a delicious and nourishing feast while exploring the principles of Ayurveda and their relevance to our modern lives.
We’ll delve into the six tastes of Ayurveda, learn about the importance of seasonal eating, and discover how to create a balanced plate that satisfies both our taste buds and our souls.
"Ayurvedic Spices" width=
The Diwali Feast: A Celebration of Flavors and Well-being:
Our virtual class will feature a special Diwali menu designed to ignite your senses and nourish your body from the inside out. We’ll prepare a variety of dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients and aromatic spices that are not only delicious but also offer a range of health benefits:
- Lentil Soup with Ginger and Turmeric: A warming and grounding soup to boost digestion and immunity.
"Lentil Soup" width=
- Roasted Vegetables with Ayurvedic Spices: A colorful and flavorful dish to balance all three doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
"Roasted Vegetables" width=
- Quinoa Pilaf with Dried Fruits and Nuts: A protein-packed and satisfying pilaf to provide sustained energy.
"Quinoa Pilaf" width=
- Cardamom-Infused Mango Lassi: A refreshing and digestive drink to cleanse the palate.
"Cardamom-Infused Mango Lassi" width=
Conclusion:
This Diwali, join me on a journey of culinary exploration and self-discovery. Let’s celebrate the festival of lights by illuminating our inner world and nourishing our bodies and souls. Sign up for my virtual Ayurvedic cooking class and discover the transformative power of food and ancient wisdom.
Don’t forget to share your culinary creations and insights with me on social media! I can’t wait to see what you create. And be sure to explore Robert Kline Art for more unique, handmade gifts this Diwali season!