आहारस्त्वपि सर्वस्य त्रिविधो भवति प्रियः।यज्ञस्तपस्तथा दानं तेषां भेदमिमं श्रृणु
Krishna states that sacrifice, penance, and charity are each of three kinds, just like food. He emphasizes the diversity in how people approach these actions according to their inner nature.
Beliefs influence routines, including how we care for ourselves. Examine a habit for its actual effects rather than using spiritual categories to shame yourself or judge someone’s diet or health.
Does this habit support steadiness and care in my circumstances?
Write a private reflectionGo deeper into this verse
How does Krishna describe the relationship between a person's disposition and their preferred type of food in this teaching on Food?
Krishna explains that every person finds certain foods agreeable based on their innate disposition or nature. This means that our inner qualities influence what we are drawn to eat, suggesting a deep connection between character and preference.
Why does Krishna mention that sacrifice (yajña), penance (tapas), and charity (dāna) are of three kinds, similar to food?
By stating that these spiritual practices, like food, are of three kinds, Krishna prepares Arjuna to understand that not all actions are the same in quality or motivation. He is about to explain how these acts differ according to the tendencies and intentions of individuals, highlighting the importance of awareness and purity in all actions.
What does the phrase 'hear their distinction as follows' suggest about Krishna's teaching method in this teaching on Food?
The phrase indicates that Krishna is about to provide detailed knowledge and clear explanations. He invites Arjuna to listen carefully, as understanding the distinctions among food, sacrifice, penance, and charity is key for making wise choices.
What can we learn about the nature of human actions and preferences from Krishna's statement that food, sacrifice, penance, and charity are all of three kinds?
Krishna's words remind us that our actions and preferences are shaped by our inner qualities. This teaches us to reflect on our motivations and to cultivate purity and goodness, not just in what we eat, but in all aspects of life—offering, discipline, and generosity alike.
The food also which is dear to each is threefold, as also sacrifice, austerity and almsgiving. Hear thou the distinction of these.
What do “thy” and “thou” mean?
“Thy” means “your”; “thou” and “thee” mean “you”; “thine” means “yours.” This historical translation is preserved as published.