The scriptures advise, "One should always revere food and one should eat it without finding fault with it. On seeing it, one should feel happy and pleased and should accept it with prayer and salutation."

The scriptures advise, "One should always revere food and one should eat it without finding fault with it. On seeing it, one should feel happy and pleased and should accept it with prayer and salutation."

People who were blessed to be around His Holiness Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji during His pre-Sannyasa days admiringly recall His reverential attitude towards food. Even as a child, He would not waste His food. He would even advise His classmates and friends to worship food as it formed the life force. His fortunate mother does not recall even a single day when He complained about the food provided to Him. Once, a young brahmachari (celibate) came to His Holiness. While the boy's parents asked him to recite before His Holiness the Mantras pertaining to the Sun God, His Holiness was quick to intervene. The Guru instructed, "Recite the Mantras that have to be said before you eat your food". The boy pleaded ignorance. Acharyal instructed the mutt's Purohit who was also there witnessing the entire scene, "Have those Mantras taught to him right now." After the initiation was over, His Holiness explained the importance of such practices, "Food provides the energy for our physical existence. Hence it should be treated as God. This is what the Vedas instruct us. If ever we attempt eating our food without reverence and joy, we will commit the sin of ingratitude."

इमा या: पञ्च प्रदिशो मानवी: पञ्च कृष्टय: ।
वृष्टे शापं नदीरिवेह स्फातिं समावहान्‌ ॥ अथर्व 3.24.3
All sections of society at all times and in all situations should have access to food in the same manner as rivers make available waters after rains.(Source: https://wp.me/p6VtLM-8B)

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