ashastra-vihitam ghoram
tapyante ye tapo janah:। dambhahankara-samyuktah kama-raga-balanvitah:॥ 17.5 ॥ karsayantah sarira-stham bhuta-gramam acetasah:। mam chaivantah sarira-stham tan viddhy asura-nischayan॥ 17.6 ॥ |
O Arjuna, Those who undergo severe austerities and penances not recommended in the scriptures, performing them out of pride and egoism, who are impelled by lust and attachment, who are foolish and who torture the material elements of the body as well as the Super-Soul dwelling within, are to be known as demons.
aharas tv api sarvasya
tri-vidho bhavati priyah। yajnas tapas tatha danam tesham bhedam imam shrinu॥ 17.7 ॥ |
Sri Krishna said: O Arjuna, 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.
ayuh-sattva-balarogya-
sukha-priti-vivardhanah। rasyah snigdhah sthira hrdya aharah sattvika-priyah॥ 17.8 ॥ |
Sri Krishna said: O Arjuna, 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.
katv-amla-lavanaty-usna-
tiksna-ruksa-vidahinah। ahara rajasasyesta duhkha-sokamaya-pradah॥ 17.9 ॥ |
Sri Krishna said: O Arjuna, Foods that are too bitter, too sour, salty, hot, pungent, dry and burning are dear to those in the mode of passion. Such foods cause distress, misery and disease.