Timing Matters Most – In Gita Verse 17.10 Food prepared more than three hours before being eaten, food that is tasteless, decomposed and putrid, and food consisting of remnants and untouchable things is dear to those in the mode of darkness.
Bhagavad Gita Verse 17.10, where Krishna discusses the impact of eating food prepared more than three hours before, it is emphasised that such food may lead one towards darkness due to fermentation and its effects on consciousness. The purpose of food is to increase the duration of life, purify the mind and aid bodily strength. This is its only purpose.
When food becomes stale, cold, or is stored for a prolonged period, it necessitates digestion solely through the stomach’s heat. This leads to a slower digestion process, doubling the usual time required from six to twelve hours. Consequently, delayed digestion affects sleep patterns, as the brain is deprived of energy until the food is fully processed. This underscores the brain’s luxury status in the body’s hierarchy of needs.
Life and the body operate under a structured economy. Basic needs take precedence, followed by less essential necessities, with non-basic requirements addressed subsequently. Viewing life through three planes – body, mind, and spirit – the body holds paramount importance. Without a sound physical foundation, the mind and soul cannot thrive. Analogously, in nature, if a tree faces a threat where either the flowers or roots are at risk, the tree prioritises protecting its roots, as they sustain life and offer the potential for future growth.
The mind, deemed a luxury and non-essential for survival like animals and plants, reveals intelligence as a precious gift once the body’s needs find fulfilment, paving the path to intellect and eventual spiritual enlightenment.
In the realm of nature’s modes – Tamas, Rajas, and Satva – Satva stands out as the nurturing force that gives abundantly, contrasting with the demanding nature of Tamas and the unrelenting pace of Rajas. Enriching your life with profound satisfaction and love, Satva sparks a natural impulse to share generously, triggering a cycle where abundance grows with each shared act.
Satva embodies love, contentment, and a proclivity for abundant sharing, infusing life with positive energy that fosters growth and abundance through compassionate acts.
Individuals guided by Satvik virtues prioritise foods that promote longevity, intelligence, strength, health, happiness, and love. These foods resonate with the mind, aligning with elements of nature, harmony, and melody rather than merely focusing on taste. A virtuous person transcends fleeting taste preferences to attain profound satisfaction in nourishment and embrace life’s diverse offerings.
Krishna imparts wisdom on the importance of understanding one’s inherent qualities (guna) and striving to transition towards Satva, the state of purity and balance. He emphasises the significance of mindful eating, relishing food with gratitude and pleasure while being fully conscious of its nourishing qualities. Despite having Satvik attributes, Krishna does not consume food solely based on taste, instead savouring its flavours with unparalleled appreciation. Taste, though enticing, should not solely dictate one’s dietary choices.
As a virtuous individual pursues the pinnacle of taste experience, transcending beyond sensory pleasure, they achieve this by intertwining their consciousness and awareness with the food they consume. By aligning with the principles of nature, acknowledging compatibility with their body type, seeking harmony in their choices, and embracing the symphony of life around them, they elevate their consumption beyond superficial preferences. In this way, they cultivate a deeper connection with food that surpasses mere taste, leading to a more profound and fulfilling experience at the dining table.
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