टीका

Commentary

Krishna now describes the food preferred by sattvic people. Such food has six qualities: it increases life span (aayuh), purifies one’s existence (sattva), gives strength (bala), promotes health (aarogya), brings happiness (sukha), and provides deep satisfaction (preeti).

The physical characteristics of sattvic food are described with four words: rasyaah (juicy, full of flavor), snigdhaah (smooth, containing natural fats), sthiraah (substantial, nourishing for a long time), and hridyaah (pleasing to the heart, naturally appealing). In ancient times, learned people chose foods that were wholesome, health-giving, and promoting longevity — such as milk products, rice, wheat, fruits, vegetables, and grains.

Sattvic foods are naturally satisfying. They do not create agitation or craving. Milk, butter, cheese, rice, wheat, lentils, fruits, and fresh vegetables are all sattvic by nature. When prepared simply, without excessive spice or processing, they nourish the body, calm the mind, and support spiritual practice.

The verse also implies that sattvic food should be offered to the Lord before eating. In the Bhagavad Gita (9.26), Krishna says patram pushpam phalam toyam — He accepts simple offerings of leaf, flower, fruit, and water when offered with devotion. Any food prepared with love, offered to God, and eaten with gratitude becomes divine prasadam, regardless of how long ago it was cooked, because the act of offering purifies it. Food that is healthy, nourishing, and pleasing to the senses — and first offered to the Lord — is the ideal sattvic diet.