Chapter 17, Verse 8
आयु:सत्वबलारोग्यसुखप्रीतिविवर्धना: | रस्या: स्निग्धा: स्थिरा हृद्या आहारा: सात्विकप्रिया: ॥8॥
āyuḥ-sattva-balārogya-sukha-prīti-vivardhanāḥ | rasyāḥ snigdhāḥ sthirā hṛdyā āhārāḥ sāttvika-priyāḥ
"Foods that augment life, firmness of mind, strength, health, happiness and delight, and which are succulent, oleaginous, substantial and agreeable, are dear to one endowed with sattva."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 17.8 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 17.8 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
Lord Krishna defines the diet of those in the mode of goodness (Sattva Guna). Sattvic foods are not merely 'vegetarian'; they are life-enhancing (vivardhanāḥ). They increase longevity (āyuḥ), mental clarity/essence (sattva), physical strength (bala), and freedom from disease (ārogya). Such foods are 'rasyāḥ' (juicy/savory), 'snigdhāḥ' (containing healthy fats), 'sthirā' (providing lasting energy), and 'hṛdyā' (pleasing to the heart/conscience). This implies a diet that is ethically sourced, fresh, and nourishing both to the body and the subtle mind, fostering a state of internal peace and joy (sukha-prīti).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 17.8?
Foods that augment life, firmness of mind, strength, health, happiness and delight, and which are succulent, oleaginous, substantial and agreeable, are dear to one endowed with sattva.