PHALAHARI diet derives from the sanskrt word Phal, which means fruit. During past centuries as well as today, many yogis take only fruits, a little milk and nuts.

In this diet it is advisible to eat only fruits and vegetables (no bananas and no potatos), some nuts, a little yellow mung dhal and some tofu. Also little milk or yoghurt each a day.

There are great changes in the body  when you take a phalahari diet - you become more flexible, and the digestive process is quicker - the body de-toxifies faster, and you experience less joint and body pains.

It is advisible to follow this kind of diet for a minimum 3 weeks, or 3 months for better results, and if you really want to improve your health and loose weight, than one year. When you are starting it can be a challenge, but always remember you can eat as much as you like, even 5 times a day!

SANTOSHA = CONTENTMENT

Santhosa is the second principle of Niyama (Niyama means "to follow something").
You are discontent with too many things, with your flat, your job, your husband or wife, your children, your neighbourhood and the money you earn. You are not even content with your yoga path. It leads you nowhere. However, you should be content and take things as they are. In English you say "Take it easy", although it isn`t always so easy. It is only easy to say so. But being content is the aim of yoga, attaining inner happiness and overcoming the restlessness of mind.

There is a Hindi saying:

SANTOSHI NAR SADA SUKHI

The one who is content is always happy.

"What is the significance of Purnima (the full Moon)?"

Swamiji: " Physically seen, the Moon is a celestial body, a satellite of the earth. Mentally seen, it possesses a special radiance with great importance for all living beings. It radiates power which influences the human consciousness, (as spiritual energy), to a high degree. Especially during the days of full Moon, is much more intense than on other days. Therefore, we ought to especially try to think positively, use friendly words and act well. As an exemple, we can feed hungry animals, donate gifts and help the poor. Such deeds performed under a full Moon, are deeds venerated to God and in many parts of the world, such things are carried out by tradition on this day.

Spiritual humans are especially sensitive and touchy. Their consciousness is very pure, therefore they can be hurt very easily. However, the difference between their emotions and that of other people is that the reaction is comparatively only like a line drawn on the surface of water. Waves exist only for a few moments, then subside and the surface becomes smooth again. However, the human who is still bound in ignorance, keeps traces of emotions within, as if it would be engraved in stone. Sometimes this trace of emotion can be borne as anger and revenge all their life.

The day of full Moon is a very spiritual day, where an aspirant feels especially near to their Master and to God. On this day, one should pray, meditate and fast."

The doctrine of Karma is not one of fatalism. In accordance to the Law of Karma, good actions give rise to good results; bad actions give rise to bad results; and good and bad actions give rise to good and bad results. They do not cancel off or nullify one another.

They are 3 kinds of Karma:

SANCHIT KARMA = (also called collective karma), is the collection of Karmas from all lives. Only part of our Sanchit Karma comes into effect in each life, as it would be impossible to experience and endure all our collective Karma at once.

PRALABDHA = are those Karmas from earlier lives that are now ripe / ready to be worked through in this present life - time.

KRIYANAMAN KARMA = are the Karmas we create from our deeds and actions in this present life.

How can we overcome our Karma?
Through self- effort and wisdom. Effort means avoidance of unwholesome actions and thoughts, and wisdom means through the purification of one`s own mind. This will enable one to see the real nature of existence and thereby recognise the process how suffering arises and how it ceases.

In the words of Sri Deep Narayan Mahaprabhuji:                           

One who knows their true Self                           
Changes from a goose to a Swan                                 
And flies without wings                                      
There is no limit.....