आयु:सत्त्वबलारोग्यसुखप्रीतिविवर्धना: | रस्या: स्निग्धा: स्थिरा हृद्या आहारा: सात्त्विकप्रिया: || 8 || |
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Commentary
This verse highlights the characteristics of sattvic (pure and harmonious) food and its effects on an individual’s well-being. Let’s break down the verse and understand its meaning in detail:
आयुः (āyuḥ): longevity, the duration of life. Sattvic food promotes a healthy and balanced life, contributing to overall well-being and vitality.
सत्त्व (sattva): purity, goodness. Sattvic food purifies the mind, body, and consciousness, bringing clarity, peace, and spiritual upliftment.
बल (bala): strength. Sattvic food provides nourishment and energy, enhancing physical and mental strength.
आरोग्य (ārogya): health. Sattvic food supports optimal health and well-being, improving the functioning of the body systems and boosting the immune system. सुख (sukha): happiness, pleasure. Sattvic food brings joy, contentment, and a sense of well-being. It satisfies the taste buds and provides pleasure without causing harm or imbalance.
प्रीति (prīti): satisfaction, gratification. Sattvic food brings about a deep sense of satisfaction and contentment, promoting a harmonious relationship with food and nourishment.
विवर्धना (vivardhanā): nourishing, increasing. Sattvic food increases and enhances these qualities of life, promoting their growth and development.
रस्या: (rasyāḥ): juicy. Sattvic food possesses natural juices, freshness, and vitality, making it appealing and pleasurable to the senses.
स्निग्धा: (snigdhāḥ): fatty, unctuous. Sattvic food contains healthy fats that provide lubrication and nourishment, supporting the body’s tissues and promoting overall well-being.
स्थिरा (sthirāḥ): stable, steady. Sattvic food has a grounding and stabilizing effect, bringing balance to the body and mind.
हृद्या (hṛdyā): pleasing to the heart. Sattvic food not only satisfies the physical hunger but also nourishes the emotions and uplifts the heart, promoting a sense of inner joy and well-being.
आहारा: (āhārāḥ): food. Sattvic food refers to the pure, wholesome, and nourishing food that aligns with the principles of balance, harmony, and compassion.
सात्त्विकप्रिया: (sāttvikapriyāḥ): pleasing to the sattva quality. Sattvic food is preferred and relished by those who are inclined towards sattva, the quality of purity, goodness, and harmony.
In summary, this verse emphasizes the importance of consuming sattvic food, which promotes a healthy and balanced life, purifies the mind and body, nourishes the senses, and brings about joy, satisfaction, and well-being. Sattvic food is considered conducive to spiritual growth and supports one’s journey towards self-realization.
Sattvic food is known for its pure, light, nourishing, and harmonious qualities. It promotes clarity, peace, and spiritual well-being. Here is a comprehensive list of examples of sattvic foods:
• Fresh fruits: Apples, bananas, oranges, pears, melons, berries, mangoes, papayas, etc.
• Fresh vegetables: Leafy greens (spinach, kale, lettuce), cucumbers, carrots, broccoli, zucchini, cauliflower, etc.
• Whole grains: Brown rice, quinoa, millet, amaranth, barley, oats, whole wheat, etc.
• Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, mung beans, black beans, kidney beans, etc.
• Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, cashews, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds, chia seeds, etc.
• Dairy products: Fresh milk, ghee (clarified butter), homemade yogurt, cottage cheese (paneer).
• Herbal teas: Chamomile tea, peppermint tea, ginger tea, green tea, tulsi tea, etc.
• Sweeteners: Honey, jaggery (unrefined cane sugar), maple syrup, date syrup.
• Herbs and spices: Turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, basil, fennel, etc.
• Plant-based oils: Ghee, coconut oil, olive oil, sesame oil.
• Natural sweet fruits: Dates, figs, raisins, prunes, apricots. • Pure water: Filtered or spring water.
• Sattvic beverages: Fresh fruit juices, coconut water, herbal infusions, vegetable juices.
• Sattvic preparations: Sattvic khichdi (a mix of rice and lentils), vegetable stews, steamed vegetables, fresh salads, lightly cooked meals with minimal spices and oil.
It is important to note that sattvic food is best consumed in its natural and unprocessed form, prepared with love, mindfulness, and gratitude. It is recommended to choose organic and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Additionally, sattvic food is typically vegetarian or vegan, as it promotes non-violence and compassion towards all living beings.
The focus of sattvic food is not only on the physical aspect but also on the overall impact it has on the mind, emotions, and spiritual well-being.