Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 17.8

“Foods that promote life, vitality, strength, health, joy, and cheerfulness, savory, mild, substantial, agreeable, are dear to the sattvic.”
Key Teaching: Sattvic foods promote vitality and health.
Theme: Guidance, Jnana Yoga, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga.
Description:
Krishna describes sattvic foods as those promoting life, vitality, strength, health, joy, and cheerfulness, being savory, mild, substantial, and agreeable. This verse, continuing 17.7, addresses Arjuna’s quest (2.9, 13.1). The themes of guidance, as Krishna defines sattvic food, Jnana Yoga, as he emphasizes discernment, and Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, as he points to liberation, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s disciplined life (1.28–46) aligns with sattvic choices, contrasting Duryodhana’s excesses (1.3–11). The teaching aligns with Jnana Yoga (14.6), emphasizing sattva’s benefits, and builds on guna distinctions (17.7). Krishna details sattvic qualities.

Philosophically, the verse promotes sattvic living, a theme refined with teachings on sattva (14.6). Arjuna’s path is clarified by choosing sattvic foods. The Gita’s focus on Moksha Sannyasa Yoga underscores liberation through purity. The verse connects to teachings on discipline (6.14).

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