Bhagavad Gita 17.10

Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga · English Translation

That which is state, tasteless, putrid, rotten, refuse and impure, is the food liked by the Tamasic.

Sanskrit

यातयामं गतरसं पूति पर्युषितं च यत् | उच्छिष्टमपि चामेध्यं भोजनं तामसप्रियम् ||१७-१०||

Transliteration

yātayāmaṃ gatarasaṃ pūti paryuṣitaṃ ca yat . ucchiṣṭamapi cāmedhyaṃ bhojanaṃ tāmasapriyam ||17-10||

What Does This Verse Mean?

In this verse, Lord Krishna describes the type of food that appeals to people dominated by ignorance and inertia (Tamasic nature). He lists characteristics such as being tasteless, putrid, rotten, leftover refuse, or impure. The core teaching is that consuming such foods deepens one's spiritual stagnation, leading to confusion and a lack of vitality.

The Teaching Behind It

This verse belongs to the Sankhya-Yoga strand of the Gita's teaching, which analyzes human psychology through the three Gunas (qualities) of nature. It develops the concept that physical intake directly influences mental states and spiritual evolution, asserting that a Tamasic diet reinforces inertia and ignorance.

Word by Word

यातयामम् state, गतरसम् tasteless, पूति putrid, पर्युषितम् rotten, च and, यत् which, उच्छिष्टम् refuse, अपि also, च and, अमेध्यम् impure, भोजनम् food, तामसप्रियम् liked by the Tamasic

Classical Commentary

Cannabis indica (Ganja)? Bhang, opium, cocaine? Charas? Chandoo, all stale and putrid articles, are Tamasic. Yatayamam Stale, literally means cooked three hours ago. Yatayamam and Gatarasam mean the same thing. Paryushitam Rotten The cooked food which has been kept overnight. Uchchishtam What is left on the plate after a meal. The man whose taste is of a Tamasic nature will eat food in the afternoon that has been cooked on the previous day. He also likes that which is halfcooked or burnt to a cinder. He and all the members of his family sit together and eat from the same dish or plate, food that has been mixed into a mess by his children. The food eaten by Tamasic people is stale, dry, without juice, unripe or overcooked. They do not relish it, till it begins to rot and ferment. They take prohibited foods and drinks. They take liors, fermented toddy, etc. They are horrible people with devilish tendencies.

Where This Happens

This teaching occurs on the battlefield of Kurukshetra within Chapter 17, where Lord Krishna is guiding Arjuna through a detailed classification of faith, food, sacrifice, and charity. Just before this verse, Krishna has finished explaining how different types of people eat based on their inner nature (Sattvic, Rajasic, Tamasic). Arjuna is listening intently as he seeks to understand the subtle psychological patterns that influence human behavior in such a high-stakes moment.

Living It Out Today

When you are facing burnout at work or deep stress, your body might crave processed snacks like stale chips or sugary drinks because they offer a quick, numb relief. However, giving in to this 'Tamas' impulse often leads to an energy crash and mental fog later on. Instead of reaching for the comfort food that feels easy but is unfulfilling, choose a fresh meal or a healthy snack to fuel your brain with clarity and resilience.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have two choices for lunch: fresh, crunchy apples and yogurt, versus something old, smelly, and moldy from the back of the fridge. A person who feels very sleepy or grumpy might actually crave that bad food because their body isn't sensing what is truly good for them. This verse teaches us to choose healthy, clean, and tasty foods so our minds stay bright and happy.

Daily Reflection

Today, consider how often we feed our minds and bodies with things that are 'tasteless' or emotionally rotting from over-indulgence in negative thoughts. When you choose quality over quantity in what you consume—whether food, information, or company—you invite a lighter, more vibrant state of being into your life.

A Practice for Today

Begin by observing your own nourishment today, asking if you are consuming out of genuine need or merely to numb the senses with that which is stale and heavy. Take a moment to silence the inner noise caused by impure intake, allowing your mind to settle into clarity rather than stagnation.

Key Teachings

The Nature of Tamasic Intake
This verse defines the diet of inertia as that which is stale, tasteless, and impure. It teaches us that consuming such things directly reinforces a state of ignorance and lethargy.
Food Shapes Consciousness
The Gita posits a direct link between what we eat and the quality of our mind; rotting food leads to a clouded, dull intellect. True spiritual progress requires purifying not just actions, but also our sustenance.
Overcoming Stagnation
By identifying 'refuse' as the favorite of Tamasic beings, we learn that clinging to old habits and stale patterns is a form of spiritual decay. The path forward involves consciously rejecting what no longer serves our growth.

Themes

food habitsthree gunasmental clarityspiritual disciplineself-awarenessphysical health

Related Verses

9.27 14.8 18.8

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly does the word 'Ucchiṣṭam' mean in this context?

'Ucchiṣṭam' refers to food that has been touched by others or leftover from a meal, which is considered impure when eaten without proper ritual intent. In modern terms, it can also apply to stale leftovers kept too long or food prepared with careless hygiene.

Why does Krishna classify this type of food as 'Tamasic'?

Krishna classifies it as Tamasic because consuming such food increases inertia, dulls the senses, and clouds judgment. It reinforces a state of ignorance where one feels lethargic rather than alert or compassionate.

Is eating leftover food always considered bad in Hinduism?

Not necessarily; if leftovers are fresh, stored properly, and eaten with gratitude as part of a balanced diet, they can be acceptable. However, this verse specifically warns against stale, spoiled, or impure leftovers that have lost their nourishing quality.

How does avoiding Tamasic food help in spiritual practice?

Avoiding such foods helps maintain a 'Sattvic' (pure and clear) state of mind essential for meditation and self-realization. It reduces physical heaviness and mental agitation, allowing the practitioner to focus more deeply on their spiritual goals.

In Other Languages: Bhagavad Gita 17.10 →