Chapter XVII · Śloka 8
Śrī Kṛṣṇa uvāca
आयुःसत्त्वबलारोग्यसुखप्रीतिविवर्धनाः |
रस्याः स्निग्धाः स्थिरा हृद्या आहाराः सात्त्विकप्रियाः ||
रस्याः स्निग्धाः स्थिरा हृद्या आहाराः सात्त्विकप्रियाः ||
āyuḥ-sattva-balārogya-sukha-prīti-vivardhanāḥ |
rasyāḥ snigdhāḥ sthirā hṛdyā āhārāḥ sāttvika-priyāḥ ||
rasyāḥ snigdhāḥ sthirā hṛdyā āhārāḥ sāttvika-priyāḥ ||
Foods that increase longevity, vitality, strength, health, happiness, and joy — that are juicy, unctuous, substantial, and pleasing to the heart — are dear to those in sattva.
Sāttvika food is alive with nourishment and gladness. It sustains not only the body but the mind and spirit — its effects linger as clarity and contentment long after the meal. The food that promotes life in all its dimensions is sattvic.