āyuḥ-sattva-balārogya-sukha-prīti-vivardhanāḥ rasyāḥ snigdhāḥ sthirā hṛdyā āhārāḥ sāttvika-priyāḥ
"Foods that increase life, purity, strength, health, happiness, and satisfaction, which are juicy, fatty, substantial, and pleasant—these are dear to the sattvic."
What This Means:
Sattvic people prefer foods that promote longevity, mental clarity, strength, health, happiness, and contentment. Such foods are flavorful, nourishing, satisfying, and pleasant to the heart.
Going Deeper:
Six benefits of sattvic food: āyus (longevity), sattva (mental purity), bala (strength), ārogya (health), sukha (happiness), prīti (satisfaction). Four qualities: rasya (juicy/flavorful), snigdha (oleaginous/nourishing), sthira (substantial/lasting), hṛdya (pleasing to heart). Fresh, wholesome, naturally appealing food is sattvic.
How To Apply This:
Choose foods that genuinely nourish body and mind—fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy (if tolerated), natural foods. These increase clarity and energy. Notice how you feel after eating—sattvic food leaves you clear and satisfied.
Key Sanskrit Terms: