Chapter 17 • Verse 9
कट्वम्ललवणात्युष्णतीक्ष्णरूक्षविदाहिनः। आहारा राजसस्येष्टा दुःखशोकामयप्रदाः॥
kaṭv-amla-lavaṇāty-uṣhṇa-tīkṣhṇa-rūkṣha-vidāhinaḥ āhārā rājasasyeṣhṭā duḥkha-śhokāmaya-pradāḥ
Meaning
Foods that are bitter, sour, salty, very hot, pungent, dry, and burning — these are dear to the rajasic and cause pain, grief, and disease.
Rajasic foods are excessively bitter, sour, salty, hot, spicy, dry, and burning. They stimulate but ultimately cause discomfort, emotional disturbance, and illness. These foods agitate rather than nourish.
Strength Reflection
"I moderate rajasic foods that cause agitation and discomfort."
Devotional Surrender
O Lord, help me avoid foods that disturb my peace and health.