Three types of foods & how they have impact in Bhakti (devotion)!
Foods have definite impact in one’s whole life and particularly in devotional advancement.
BHAGAVAD GITA 17.7 SAYS:
“Even the food each person prefers is of three kinds, according to the three modes of material nature. The same is true of sacrifices, austerities and charity. Now hear of the distinctions between them.”
(What if doctor recommends Non veg foods for Children for health? READ HERE!)
FOODS IN THE MODE OF GOODNESS (SATVA GUNA)
Foods that increase the duration of life, purify the mind and aid bodily strength are Satva guna foods and they are recommended foods.
These foods are favourable for following devotion as they give less diversions from devotion.
Examples for Satva Guna foods:
Srila Prabhupada says:
“Milk products, sugar, rice, wheat, fruits and vegetables. These foods are very dear to those in the mode of goodness.”
IN BHAGAVAD GITA 17.8, KRISHNA SAYS:
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.
Vegetable foods in general encourages Satva guna.
(EKADASI RECEIPS – THE FOODS TO BE PREPARED ON EKADASI! READ HERE!)
FOODS IN THE MODE OF PASSION (RAJO GUNA)
IN BHAGAVAD GITA 17.9 KRISHNA SAYS:
Foods that are too bitter, too sour, salty, hot, pungent, dry and burning are dear to those in the mode of passion.
Foods in the mode of passion, which are bitter, too salty, or too hot or overly mixed with red pepper, cause misery by reducing the mucus in the stomach, leading to disease.
Since such foods cause distress, misery and diseases, following devotion will be difficult. Healthy devotion is possible only if we keep good physical and mental healtth.
(10 FOODS KRISHNA DEVOTEES SHOULD EAT AND AVOID! READ HERE!)
FOODS IN THE MODE OF DARKNESS (THAMO GUNA)
IN BHAGAVAD GITA 17.10, KRISHNA SAYS
“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.”
Any food cooked more than three hours before it is eaten (except prasādam, food offered to the Lord) is considered to be in the mode of darkness. Because they are decomposing, such foods give a bad odor, which often attracts people in this mode but repulses those in the mode of goodness.
When can we take food after storing it for more than 3 hours?
Krishna Prasadam can be taken even after three hours.
Remnants of food may be eaten only when they are part of a meal that was first offered to the Supreme Lord or first eaten by saintly persons, especially the spiritual master.
Otherwise the remnants of food are considered to be in the mode of darkness, and they increase infection or disease.
When we take foods in the modes of passion, it increases laziness, less effectiveness, Lack of initiative, etc, that will not allow us to chant and worship Krishna.
Therefore, honouring Prasadam will be the best way to stop further births because Krishna Prasadam is prepared using satva guna vegetables.
Hope you are clear about the three types of foods & how they have impact in Bhakti (devotion)!
(FOODS THAT SHOULD NOT BE OFFERED TO KRISHNA! READ HERE!)