Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 17 · Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 17.8 आयुःसत्त्वबलारोग्यसुखप्रीतिविवर्धनाः
श्लोक 17.8
आयुःसत्त्वबलारोग्यसुखप्रीतिविवर्धनाः ।
रस्याः स्निग्धाः स्थिरा हृद्या आहाराः सात्त्विकप्रियाः ॥
āyuḥsattvabalārogyasukhaprītivivardhanāḥ |
rasyāḥ snigdhāḥ sthirā hṛdyā āhārāḥ sāttvikapriyāḥ ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
आयु, सत्त्व, बल, आरोग्य, सुख और प्रसन्नता बढ़ाने वाले, रसीले, चिकने, पौष्टिक और मन को अच्छे लगने वाले भोजन सात्त्विक लोगों को प्रिय होते हैं।
Meaning in English
Foods that increase life, vitality, strength, health, happiness and contentment, and that are tasty, mild, nourishing and pleasing to the heart, are dear to sattvic people.
Bhagavad Gita 17.8 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| आयुःसत्त्वबलारोग्यसुखप्रीतिविवर्धनाः | āyuḥ-sattva-bala-ārogya-sukha-prīti-vivardhanāḥ | increasing life, vitality, strength, health, happiness and cheerfulness |
| रस्याः | rasyāḥ | juicy, tasty |
| स्निग्धाः | snigdhāḥ | smooth, mildly rich |
| स्थिराः | sthirāḥ | substantial, sustaining |
| हृद्याः | hṛdyāḥ | agreeable to the heart |
| आहाराः | āhārāḥ | foods |
| सात्त्विकप्रियाः | sāttvika-priyāḥ | dear to the sattvic |
Explanation
Foods that increase life, vitality, strength, health, happiness and cheerfulness, and that are tasty, mildly rich, nourishing and pleasing to the heart, are dear to those of sattvic nature. Krishna describes wholesome food not by a list of items but by its effects and qualities: it sustains the body and gladdens the mind.
Sattva in the compound is usually taken as mental energy or vitality. Shankara explains snigdha as containing some oil or fat, and sthira as food whose nourishing essence stays long in the body. Hṛdya means pleasing in appearance and to the heart. Commentators stress that the verse focuses on the effect of food on body and mind rather than on rigid rules. Later Ayurvedic and devotional traditions drew on this verse, and many readers today find it a sensible guide to fresh, balanced eating.
भावार्थ
आयु, बुद्धि, बल, आरोग्य, सुख और प्रसन्नता को बढ़ाने वाले, रसयुक्त, चिकने, स्थिर रहने वाले और मन को भाने वाले भोजन सात्त्विक लोगों को प्रिय होते हैं। ऐसा भोजन शरीर को पोषण और मन को शान्ति देता है।
Living it today
Judge food by how you feel afterwards: steady, light and clear, or heavy and restless. Choose meals that leave you energised and calm.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 17.8?
Foods that increase life, vitality, strength, health, happiness and cheerfulness, and that are tasty, mildly rich, nourishing and pleasing to the heart, are dear to those of sattvic nature. Krishna describes wholesome food not by a list of items but by its effects and qualities: it sustains the body and gladdens the mind.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 17.8?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 17 (Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 17.8 in daily life?
Judge food by how you feel afterwards: steady, light and clear, or heavy and restless. Choose meals that leave you energised and calm.
Reflected on verse 17.8?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.