1 · Learn3 of 6 · 5 min

Study a Verse

Pick any verse to see what it means and how to use it in your life.

Or browse by chapter
Chapter

Chapter 17 · The Divisions of Faith · 28 verses

12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728

Deep profile← → keys move between verses

How to study this verse, in six steps
  1. 1Remember who is speaking. Kṛṣṇa is speaking. Take the verse as He directs.
  2. 2Say the verse and its words. Read the Sanskrit, then each word with its meaning.
  3. 3Read the translation as it is. Let the translation say what it says, without adding your own meaning.
  4. 4Read the purport. Hear the verse through the disciplic succession.
  5. 5Bring your own question. Ask: where does this verse meet my life, my trouble, my doubt?
  6. 6Act on it, remembering Kṛṣṇa. Carry one instruction into your work today.
Read the full guide: how to read the Bhagavad-gītā ›
Nature & guṇasChapter 17 · The Divisions of Faith
17.717.9

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 17.8

Food and sacrifice in the modes

Prakṛti · Material nature

आयु:सत्त्वबलारोग्यसुखप्रीतिविवर्धना: ।

रस्या: स्‍निग्धा: स्थिरा हृद्या आहारा: सात्त्विकप्रिया: ॥ ८ ॥

āyuḥ-sattva-balārogya-

sukha-prīti-vivardhanāḥ

rasyāḥ snigdhāḥ sthirā hṛdyā

āhārāḥ sāttvika-priyāḥ

Translation

Foods dear to those in the mode of goodness increase the duration of life, purify one’s existence and give strength, health, happiness and satisfaction. Such foods are juicy, fatty, wholesome, and pleasing to the heart.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

What this verse is saying, and where it sits in the story.

3 study points

Foods in Goodness

  1. 1

    Foods dear to those in goodness lengthen life, purify existence, and give strength, health, happiness, and satisfaction.

  2. 2

    These foods are juicy, fatty, wholesome, and pleasing to the heart.

  3. 3

    Choose wholesome foods that support health and satisfaction.

Key points from the purport

Foods in the mode of goodness — Juicy, fatty, wholesome and pleasing to the heart

Result

Increase the duration of life and purify one’s existence

Also gives strength, health, happiness and satisfaction

2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. āyuḥduration of life
  2. sattvaexistence
  3. balastrength
  4. ārogyahealth
  5. sukhahappiness
  6. prītiand satisfaction
  7. vivardhanāḥincreasing
  8. rasyāḥjuicy
3

Key ideas in this verse

The spiritual concepts this verse connects to.

Key ideas: prakṛti, guṇa.

4

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

What does BG 17.8 establish in Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport, and how does it connect to nature & guṇas?

Practice

Observe which mode shaped your last decision.

5

The story behind it

Mahābhārata episodes and stories from the purports that shed light on this verse.

All stories for chapter 17 ›
6

Related verses

Keep going: verses that carry this teaching further.

BG 17.9Food and sacrifice in the modesBG 17.10Food and sacrifice in the modesBG 7.14Crossing beyond māyā
Live this todayFaith and the ModesA practice from BG 17.3, close to this verse

Study notes are editorial summaries, not the translation. Confirm them in the original text and purport.

  1. Learn
  2. Live
  3. Lead
Next in Learn · 4 of 9 · 10 minChapters & storiesGo chapter by chapter, with the Mahābhārata stories that explain what is happening.Back · LearnPrabhupāda's Introduction