Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 17 verse 9
Chapter 17 · Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga

Food and Mood · A Deep Connection

कट्वम्ललवणात्युष्णतीक्ष्णरूक्षविदाहिनः । आहारा राजसस्येष्टा दुःखशोकामयप्रदाः ॥

kaṭv-amla-lavaṇāty-uṣṇa-tīkṣṇa-rūkṣa-vidāhinaḥ āhārā rājasasyeṣṭā duḥkha-śokāmaya-pradāḥ

Meaning

"Foods that are bitter, sour, salty, very hot, pungent, dry, and burning are dear to those in rajas, and cause pain, grief, and disease."

Explanation

What you consistently feed your body isn't separate from your inner state — this is an early, practical acknowledgment that food and mood are deeply connected.

Today's Life Lesson

Notice today how the food you eat affects your calm — small choices there can genuinely shift your state of mind.

More verses to reflect on