Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 17.10

“Food that is stale, tasteless, putrid, rotten, impure, or others’ leftovers is dear to the tamasic.”
Key Teaching: Tamasic foods are impure and harmful.
Theme: Guidance, Jnana Yoga, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga.
Description:
Krishna describes tamasic foods as stale, tasteless, putrid, rotten, impure, or leftovers, favored by tamasic people. This verse, continuing 17.9, addresses Arjuna’s quest (2.9, 13.1). The themes of guidance, as Krishna defines tamasic food, Jnana Yoga, as he emphasizes discernment, and Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, as he warns of bondage, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Duryodhana’s degraded choices (1.3–11) align with tamas, contrasting Arjuna’s purity (1.28–46). The teaching aligns with Jnana Yoga (14.8), highlighting tamas’ effects, and builds on rajasic foods (17.9). Krishna completes food distinctions.

Philosophically, the verse warns against tamasic choices, a theme refined with teachings on tamas (14.8). Arjuna’s path is clarified by avoiding impure foods. The Gita’s focus on Moksha Sannyasa Yoga warns against bondage. The verse connects to teachings on purity (6.14).

Sanjaya’s narration ensures objective clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s impurity, where tamasic choices bind. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers to choose purely, aligning with moksha. The description resonates with Arjuna’s disciplined path.