The Yogic prayer before eating, sometimes referred to as "Brahmarpranam” is a practice that acknowledges the interconnectedness of all beings. By expressing gratitude for the food, it helps to mindfully practice the process of eating - and creates an awareness of the energy and effort that has gone towards to bringing sustenance and meals to the table.
This ritual serves as a reminder of the sacredness of nourishment and encourages a sense of reverence towards the source of our sustenance.
The prayer itself is about how we are in the process of nourishing the agni (digestive fire) to feed brahma and consciousness. The food source is placed in the fire of Agni, and the quality (guna) and nourishment that the food possesses is released as Prasad (a sacred gift or offering) through the metabolic heat of Agni. This heat rises up to feed consciousness and Brahma, sustaining us.
It is important then, to also pay respects to the food that is the vehicle of nourishment, helping us to become more aligned with Brahma. This is where there is a marked difference between food made with love, care and a wholesome source, vibrating with prana (the life force) vs factory made, pained and processed food that is low in prana.
When food is gorged and rushed through (watching tv, rushing at a desk, bingeing) there is a lack of the honouring and nurturing of the food itself and the act of feeding Agni to nourish Brahma.
The act of eating today has become a means of connecting, for socialising, for emotional suppression, as a means of subduing boredom, used as a distraction. While eating and nourishment can be a useful tool in creating culture, stories and rituals and for connecting with community, taking away from its being a sacred act is what leads to poor health, digestive and sleep issues and other complications. Remedying this can be as simple as choosing wholesome satvic food alive with prana and creating a joyful, sacred space in your heart and surroundings to nourish Agni and connect with Brahma that within each and every one us.
Brahmārpañam Brahma Havir BrahmāgnauBrahmañāhutaṃ
Brahmaiva Tena Gantavyam BrahmakarmāSamādhinah
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
