Stimulation of Lust (Kama) and Anger (Krodha)
5. Stimulation of Lust (Kama) and Anger (Krodha)
The Common Objection
"Why do yogis and brahmacharis specifically emphasize giving up onion and garlic? Do these foods really incite lust and anger?"
Endocrine and Hormonal Stimulation
Both classical Ayurvedic pharmacopeia and modern nutritional medicine recognize that onion and garlic possess potent aphrodisiac (vajikarana) qualities.
- Testosterone and Circulation: Garlic stimulates nitric oxide synthase, dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow to reproductive organs.
- Nervous Irritation: The volatile allyl compounds irritate the prostate and urinary tract, creating involuntary nervous arousal.
- Excitation of Lower Chakras: In yogic physiology, alliums activate the muladhara (root) and svadhishthana (sacral) chakras, anchoring one's awareness in bodily impulses rather than spiritual awareness.
Spiritual Consequences for Brahmacharya and Grhastha Life
For a brahmachari (celibate student) or any spiritual aspirant endeavoring to control the senses, this involuntary stimulation makes sense control an uphill battle. It creates mental fantasies, disturbs undisturbed sleep, and provokes sensual agitation.
Even for householders (grhasthas), Krishna conscious life is built on regulated, peaceful sense control aimed at mutual spiritual elevation. Uncontrolled passion (rajas) invariably leads to anger (krodha).
The Chain of Degradation in Bhagavad-gita
In Bhagavad-gita, Chapter 2, Verses 62-63, Bhagavan Sri Krishna warns of the descent of consciousness:
dhyāyato viṣayān puṁsaḥ
saṅgas teṣūpajāyate
saṅgāt sañjāyate kāmaḥ
kāmāt krodho 'bhijāyate
"While contemplating the objects of the senses, a person develops attachment for them, and from such attachment lust develops, and from lust anger arises. From anger, complete delusion arises, and from delusion bewilderment of memory. When memory is bewildered, intellect is lost, and when intellect is lost, one falls down again into the material whirlpool."
By avoiding onion and garlic, a devotee removes the biochemical and energetic fuel that ignites unnecessary lust and explosive anger, establishing a tranquil heart suited for devotion.