The Seventh Taste: exploring the joy beyond flavors

# The Seventh Taste: A Diwali Night Dinner

## An Evening of Light, Connection, and Conscious Cuisine

What better way to celebrate the Festival of Lights than with an evening dedicated to illumination—of the self, our connections, and the deeper meaning of life? We'll gather around a warm, festive table for a simple, celebratory vegetarian dinner and Diwali-spiced tea, under the glow of evening lights and diyas (traditional oil lamps).

• Who: Curious minds, friends, or neighbors • health-minded foodies • seekers of calm and connection.
• Capacity: Max 15 seats (an intimate circle).
• Arrival & Start: Arrive 5:20 PM for a 5:30 PM start.
• Parking: Street parking is OK.
• Water: Filtered on tap; we avoid single-use plastic—feel free to bring a reusable bottle.
• The Food: The simple vegetarian dishes will feature seasonal ingredients and a touch of festive flavor suitable for the occasion.

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## Lighting the Inner Lamp: Why We Gather

Diwali is a celebration of the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. As we light the lamps outside, we're invited to light the lamp within. Have you ever questioned...

• How does the simple, ancient rhythm of a Diwali diya (oil lamp) connect to the cutting-edge of geospatial innovation?
• What does "you are what you eat" mean in the context of the Festival of Lights? Perhaps the real question is: What inner darkness are you ready to illuminate and eliminate?
• How can the principles of Vaastu, Ayurveda, and Yoga guide us not just to prosperity, but to profound inner peace amidst the complexity of modern life?
• If the cosmos is a dance of pure energy, how does mindful eating become our most grounding and transformative ritual?

These profound questions have guided my journey through science, health, technology, and the spiritual sciences of the subcontinent. I've worked to build bridges between data and meaning, research and ritual, technology and soul.

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## The Seventh Taste: Where Joy and Intention Meet

Food isn't just fuel; it's my passion and mentor. Twenty years ago, I began embracing the bitter notes that balance sugar’s pull, leading me to mindful eating: the awareness that births love, and the intention that sparks joy.

The Vedas honor six tastes: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, astringent, and pungent. But when eating turns into connection, gratitude, and purpose—when it illuminates your presence—a new dimension emerges. I call it the seventh taste.

This Diwali night marks a special opening circle for The Seventh Taste. Join me for:

• Warm Introductions with an invitation to show up exactly as you are, ready to receive and reflect.
• Illuminating Dialogue through questions that spark genuine, honest exploration.
• Nourishing Conversation offering moments to feed both heart and mind.
• And a fresh-made simple vegetarian meal to connect over, infused with the warmth of the season!

This isn't a lecture or a performance. We’ll form a circle shaped by my journey as scientist, innovator, seeker, and foodie, and step together into a space for reflection, connection, and delight.
This is an invitation into presence, joy, and community—a first, bright step into the seventh taste. The seventh taste begins here, under the light of Diwali.

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### Ready to book your seat for a meaningful Diwali celebration?