Bhagavad Gita Chapter 17, Verse 8

English Translation

Foods that augment life, firmless of mind, strength, health, happiness and delight, and which are succulent, oleaginous, substantial and agreeable, are dear to one endowed with sattva.

Detailed Commentary

17.8. Commentary: *Āyuḥ* – Foods that, when consumed, increase a person's life-span. *Sattvam* – That which enhances *Sattva-guna*. *Balam* – That which generates *sattvic* strength and enthusiasm in the body, mind, intellect, etc. *Arogyaḥ* – That which increases freedom from disease (*nirogatā*) in the body. *Sukham* – That which brings joy and peace. *Prītivivardhanāḥ* – Those that immediately evoke affection and are pleasing to behold. Of this nature are *Sthirāḥ* (sustaining) – those that are not heavy (indigestible) but easily digestible, and whose essence provides strength to the body for a long time. *Hṛdyāḥ* – Those that give strength to the heart, lungs, etc., and bring a gentle disposition (*saumya bhāva*) to the intellect. *Rasyāḥ* – Juicy/succulent foods like fruits, milk, unrefined sugar (*khaṇḍ*), etc. *Snigdhāḥ* – Unctuous foods like ghee, butter, almonds, cashews, raisins, oils extracted from *sattvic* substances, etc., which are well-cooked and fresh. *Āhārāḥ Sāttvikapriyāḥ* – Such food substances – those to be eaten (*bhojya*), drunk (*peya*), licked (*lehya*), and chewed (*choṣya*) – are dear to *sattvic* individuals. Therefore, a person's inclination towards such *āhāra* reveals their *sattvic* nature.