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← Chapter 17: The Yoga of the Division of Threefold Faith

Verse 17.8

Speaker: Krishna

Sanskrit

आयुःसत्त्वबलारोग्यसुखप्रीतिविवर्धनाः | रस्याः स्निग्धाः स्थिरा हृद्या आहाराः सात्त्विकप्रियाः ||८||

Transliteration (IAST)

āyuḥ-sattva-balārogya-sukha-prīti-vivardhanāḥ | rasyāḥ snigdhāḥ sthirā hṛdyā āhārāḥ sāttvika-priyāḥ ||8||

Word-by-Word Meanings

āyuḥ-life/longevity
sattva-vitality/purity
bala-strength
ārogya-health
rasyāḥ-juicy/succulent
snigdhāḥ-oleaginous/smooth
sthirāḥ-substantial/firm
hṛdyāḥ-pleasing to the heart

Translation

Foods that promote longevity, vitality, strength, health, happiness, and satisfaction, which are juicy, smooth, substantial, and pleasing to the heart - such foods are dear to the sattvic.

Commentary

Shankaracharya explains that sattvic foods nourish both body and mind, promoting clarity and well-being. These include grains, fruits, milk, and vegetables that are fresh and wholesome. Ramanuja notes that the qualities listed (rasyāḥ, snigdhāḥ, etc.) describe foods that are naturally agreeable and sustaining, not artificially stimulating.

Themes

dharmayoga