The Gita

Chapter 17 · Verse 9 of 28

The Yoga of the Division of Three Types of Faith

श्रद्धात्रयविभागयोग

Meaning

Supreme God Krishna spoke

Individuals with a Passional (Rājasic) disposition have a preference for food that is bitter, sour, salty, excessively spicy, fiery hot, dry, and induces acidity. Such dietary choices can lead to grief, anguish, and health issues. (17:9)

Sanskrit

श्रीभगवान् उवाच

कट्वम्ललवणात्युष्णतीक्ष्णरुक्षविदाहिनः ।

आहारा राजसस्येष्टा दुःखशोकामयप्रदाः॥

Word-by-word

कटु, अम्ल, लवण, अति उष्ण, तीक्ष्ण, रुक्ष, वि-दाहिनः

आहाराः—राजसस्य इष्टाः—दुःख-शोक-आमय-प्रदा।

Commentary

Grief and anguish are also emotions. Here is a reiteration of the same principle: non-Sattvic foods form low or negative emotions and states of mind.

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