Chapter XXVI

"Krishna! You say that the Daivic and Aasuric natures of man are the consequences of acts and feelings that had impact on the individual in previous births. Since it is impossible to escape from such impacts, what is the fate of those who are condemned to carry this burden with them? Are there any means by which this can be avoided? Or can their consequences be mitigated? If such exist, please tell me about them so that I could save myself thereby". Arjuna asked thus in order to draw out from the Lord the remedy for all mankind.

Krishna gave an immediate answer. "There is no paucity of means. Listen. There are three types of Gunas, Sathwic, Rajasic and Thamasic. They are based on the Anthahkarana, the inner consciousness. That too is dependent on the intake of food. You are what you feed on: your activities shape your nature. So at least in this birth, by regulating food and activity (Aahaara and Vihara) man can overcome the Aasuric tendencies that tend to prevail upon him. He can promote Sathwic tendencies through planned self-effort." This advice was tendered lovingly by the Lord to the eager inquirer, Arjuna.

Arjuna was thrilled with joy when he heard that man has the means of saving himself; he longed to inform himself further. Krishna showered grace through His enchanting smile and condescended to reply. "Arjuna! Food is the chief formative force. The soiled mind dulls the brilliance of moral excellence; how can a muddy lake reflect clearly? The divine cannot be reflected in the wicked or vicious mind. Food makes man strong in body; the body is intimately connected with the mind. Strength of mind depends upon strength of body too. Moral conduct, good habits, spiritual effort - all depend upon the quality of the food; diseases, mental weakness, spiritual slackness - all are produced by faulty food." "Krishna!" asked Arjuna, "Please tell me the constituents of Sathwic, Rajasic and Thamasic food."

"Arjuna! Food to be Sathwic should be capable of strengthening the mind as well as the body. It should not be too salty, too hot, too bitter, too sweet or too sour. It should not be taken while steaming hot. Food which fans the flames of thirst should be avoided. The general principle is that there should be a limit, a restraint. Food cooked in water should not be used the next day; it becomes harmful. Even fried articles should be consumed before they develop unpleasant odours.