Verse-8
Chapter 17 — Shraddhatreya Vibhag Yoga
Verse 8
🕉 Original Sanskrit Shloka
āyuḥsattvabalārogyasukha-prītivivardhanāḥ
rasyāḥ snigdhāḥ sthirā hṛdyā āhārāḥ sāttvikapriyāḥ
🕉 English Translation
Badeh ayuh buddhi va utsah bhi,
Nirogi rehe deh karta sukhi.
Sthir chikna ras mein jo ahaar hai,
Satoguna purusha ko lage pyara veh.
📜 Translation
English
The food which augments life, intellect, strength, good health, joy and cheerfulness and is succulent, soft and which is sustaining and is agreeable by its very nature to the mind-such food i.e. food items are dear to the satvic person.
In an extraordinary philosophical and thoughtful scripture like the Gita the discussion on food is astounding. Where on one hand is the inspiration on high states like highest status, supreme abode and supreme destination, ultimate peace and on the other hand is the discussion on food! In fact, it is a brilliant aspect of the Gita which makes this scripture dear to all and of universal implication. The impact of food is certainly found on the inner emotional states. Just as the food is, so is the state of the mind or just as the food consumed is, so will the thoughts be. In the Indian tradition, it has always been a matter which has been given importance. The Upanishads also clearly accept 'ahaar shuddho satva shuddhih' (Chhandogyo Upanishad)-purity of food leads to the purity of the mind.
The solid part of the food contributes to the nourishment of the body, whereas the subtle part of it has its effect on the inner state. Satvic food will become helpful in enhancing qualities of purity (satvic). The power of grasping, remembering and that of discernment is augmented due this kind of food. Pure strength, vitality and enthusiasm are enhanced by satvic food. On the increase of the quality of purity, good satvic food is found to be naturally agreeable. On consuming such food the quality of purity further increases. The body too remains disease-free due to the consumption of easily digestible food, good for health. Fruit, milk, green vegetables, etc.-succulent food should be consumed. As per the need of the body oleaginous (oily) substances should also be consumed. The food which is pure, clean, easily digestible and which contributes to the enhancement of good health should be taken.