Quote:
Originally Posted by Altair
How can you tell he didn't eat and drink, were you observing him 24/7 for three weeks? I'm sure you had a good time, but come on!
And you're right, it isn't necessarily a sign of spirituality.. I would even say it's not a sign at all! To keep the body healthy is necessary for spiritual growth. You can't focus or be at peace or improve yourself if you're starving or dehydrated!!!
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You are absolutely correct that I was not able to observe the non-eating yogi 24/7 while I was at the Khumba Mela for three weeks....nor did I want to make that the objective of my stay there.
I watched him at the bandaras (the feasts) where he did not partake of the food and drink. I would wander by his tent on the shores of the Ganges on some nights (not every night) where he would be either teaching or sleeping on the floor with a tent full of devotees. I never saw him eat. His disciples said that they had never seen him eat. Other sages confirmed that he didn't eat or drink.
Could I have been deceived even with so many confirmations? Absolutely.
That's why I included the link to Paramahansa Yogananda's story about the yogini who hadn't eaten or drunk for decades. That yogini's experience would better suit your understandably demanding questions.
https://www.crystalclarity.com/yogananda/chapter-46/