Harness the Goodness
आयु:सत्त्वबलारोग्यसुखप्रीतिविवर्धना: ।
रस्या: स्निग्धा: स्थिरा हृद्या आहारा: सात्त्विकप्रिया: ॥
Bhagavadgita 17.8
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.
Food is more than sustenance—the rhythm of our existence, the anticipation that shapes our days. We don’t just eat to live; we live in pursuit of flavours, traditions, and nourishment. India, with its deep-rooted culinary wisdom, seamlessly blends taste with well-being, where every meal is a confluence of Ayurveda, Yoga, and Vedic principles. Here, food is a healer, a storyteller, and a way of life—balancing indulgence with intent, reminding us that ‘we are what we eat’.
Nowhere is this harmony more evident than at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, where the revered Chappan Bhog—56 sattvic dishes—is offered to Lord Jagannath eight times a day, embodying balance and devotion. The Anand Bazaar within the temple transforms this sacred ritual into a grand communal feast, where the “prasadam” is shared by all. It reflects a truth deeply ingrained in India’s food philosophy—sattvic meals aren’t just for special occasions but a daily practice, nourishing both body and soul.
Sattvic comes from the Sanskrit “Sattva”, symbolising purity, essence, harmony, and balance. Rooted in yogic philosophy, Sattva is one of the three gunas alongside Rajas (passion) and Tamas (ignorance), representing a state of clarity, wisdom, and tranquility.
Rajasic foods are stimulating and energizing, fueling ambition but often leading to agitation and distraction. Spicy, oily, and heavy, they include meats, coffee, tea, and stimulants. Tamasic foods, on the other hand, are dull and heavy, promoting lethargy and mental sluggishness. Processed, stale, or difficult to digest, they include alcohol, drugs, and overly greasy or fried foods.
WHY SATTVIC FOOD?
Sattvic food, deeply rooted in Ayurveda, is a path to holistic well-being. Celebrating purity and vitality, it emphasises fresh, vegetarian, life-enhancing ingredients that nourish both body and mind. Light, easy to digest, and rich in prana (life force), it fosters clarity, balance, and inner peace. This conscious way of eating transcends mere sustenance, offering a harmonious connection between nourishment and spiritual well-being.
FOODS TO EMBRACE:
Fresh & Wholesome: Fruits, vegetables, and herbs
Sustaining Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat
Nourishing Nuts & Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, sesame, and flaxseeds
Pure Proteins: Lentils, beans, and other legumes
Natural Sweeteners: Honey, jaggery, and maple syrup
Hydration & Harmony: Water and herbal teas
FOODS TO AVOID:
Overstimulating & Heavy: Spicy foods, fried items, and excessive salt
Disruptive Stimulants: Coffee, caffeinated tea, and alcohol
Tamasic Proteins: Meat, fish, and overly processed foods
Lifeless & Stale: Canned, microwaved, or leftover meals
Greasy & Overly Sour: Heavy, oily, or excessively tangy foods.
WAY OF LIFE:
The Sattvic diet is more than just a tradition—it’s a conscious way of living that nurtures both body and mind. Rooted in balance and holistic nourishment, it emphasises micronutrient-rich, life-giving foods that align with emotional and physical well-being. This approach is reflected in traditional South Indian vegetarian cuisine, which, even today, largely avoids onions and garlic. While North Indian cooking absorbed their use from Mughal influences, many devout South Indian households and several strict vegetarian Buddhist, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese cuisines continue to exclude them.
Sattvic South-Indian Thaali
Sattvic Maharashtrian Thaali
Unlike food that merely satisfies hunger, Sattvic meals celebrate harmony—especially during religious festivals, where they take center stage, ensuring a balanced mix of carbs, sweets, fats, and bitters. This wisdom of flavours extends to everyday life; for instance, if you’ve indulged in too much sweetness, a small portion of bitter gourd can restore equilibrium. More than just a meal, the Sattvic diet is a science, a tradition, and an art, designed to nourish both the body and the soul.
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