Chapter 17: Śraddhā-traya-vibhāga-yoga:: Verse 8
आयु:सत्त्वबलारोग्यसुखप्रीतिविवर्धना: ।
रस्या: स्निग्धा: स्थिरा हृद्या आहारा: सात्त्विकप्रिया: ॥
āyu:-sattva-balārogyasukha-
prīti-vivardhanā:
rasyā: snigdhā: sthirā hṛdyā
āhārā: sāttvika-priyā: – 17.8
Sāttvika food enhances longevity, spiritual strength, health, happiness and contentment. Food items that are delicious, soothing, sustaining and pleasing to the heart are dear to the sāttvikas.
Chapter 17: Śraddhā-traya-vibhāga-yoga: - Verse 8
Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha
How briefly but comprehensively does Krishna describe sāttvika food! He does not go into the details of various sāttvika items and how they are to be cooked. He only speaks about the qualities of the food and its effect on the body and mind. Thus, one can select such food and nurture sāttvika refinement.
Our body is anna-maya, made of food. Change of food will certainly result in change in the bodily features as well as characteristics of mind and intelligence. It is clear that sāttvika food is the best for the mind as well as the body. Sāttvika food brings greater longevity, inner strength and brilliance. It generates inner spiritual delight and comfort.
It is very delicious, soft, and hence easy to take. It is sustaining to life; also pleasing to the heart. Digestion will be comfortable, without causing any hiccup or belching. What more can one desire?
