17.9 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 17, Verse 9

In Bhagavad Gita verse 17.9, Lord Krishna continues His systematic explanation of how the three modes of material nature (goodness, passion, and ignorance) influence every aspect of our existence, including our food preferences. This verse specifically describes foods in the mode of passion (rajas) and their effects on the body and mind.

The verse states that foods that are excessively bitter, sour, salty, hot, pungent, dry, and burning are preferred by those influenced by the mode of passion. The Sanskrit terms "kaṭv-amla-lavaṇāty-uṣṇa-tīkṣṇa-rūkṣha-vidāhinaḥ" precisely capture these qualities. These are not merely flavor preferences but reflections of an inner state of being that craves intensity and stimulation.

Krishna further explains that such foods are not merely a matter of taste but have profound consequences - they produce "duḥkha-śhokāmaya-pradāḥ" - pain, grief, and disease. The immediate sensory excitement these foods provide comes at a cost to our physical wellbeing and mental equilibrium. The word "duḥkha" refers to the immediate discomfort caused to the eyes, throat, and other parts of the body while consuming such foods, while "śoka" indicates the anxiety and distress that follows.

This teaching reveals how our seemingly mundane food choices are actually significant indicators of our consciousness. While those in the mode of goodness find rajasic foods repulsive, people dominated by passion are naturally drawn to them despite their harmful effects. The verse illustrates how our preferences are not simply personal choices but manifestations of which mode predominates in our nature.

What makes this verse particularly relevant is its practical application. Our daily meals aren't just for sustenance—they shape our mental state, influence our behavior, and impact our health. The excessive use of chilies, salt, and other intense flavors may provide momentary pleasure but creates an underlying pattern of agitation and restlessness that extends beyond mealtime. This connection between food and consciousness explains why changing our diet often precedes spiritual transformation.

Krishna's teaching here invites self-reflection. By observing our food preferences, we gain insight into which mode currently influences us. More importantly, it suggests that by consciously choosing foods that promote clarity, peace, and health (sattvic foods), we can gradually shift our consciousness toward the mode of goodness. This represents the Gita's practical wisdom—spiritual growth doesn't require abandoning the material world but transforming how we engage with it, beginning with something as fundamental as what we eat.

The verse ultimately serves as a reminder that nothing in our lives is spiritually neutral. Even ordinary acts like eating can either elevate or degrade our consciousness. By understanding the subtle influences of the three modes on our food choices, we gain greater awareness of how material nature shapes our experiences and how we can make choices that support our spiritual journey rather than hinder it.