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Chapter 17
Api ca:- This expression, conveys that besides the above-mentioned foods, all other articles of food forbidden, by the scriptures - such as turnip and carrots etc., are prohibited according to one's stage of life or social order etc., are also included in the tamasika food.
Bhojanam tamasapriyam':- Such food is dear to a tamasika person. Thus a man' faith is known, by the food, which is dear to him.
Even if sattvika food, is eaten having attachment for it, becomes rajasika. If it is eaten in excess, it becomes tamasika. Similarly, dry or stale food offered to a beggar, is rajasika or tamasika. But if the same food is offered to God, with devotion and it is eaten, less than the appetite[1] by chanting the name of the Lord, it becomes sattvika.
An Important Fact Pertaining to the Topic
In this context, it seems as if there is a description of three types of food. But actually, it is a description of a person's inclination, which can be judged by the nature of food, which is dear to him. The following points, clarify it.
(1) In the seventh verse of this chapter, the Lord uses the term 'Sarvasya', to indicate that all human beings, like three kinds of food, according to their inclination. That inclination, decides a man's conviction. The term 'priyah' (dear), has also been used in the eighth and tenth verses, and 'Isla (dear) in the ninth verse, which indicate a man's inclination, or taste. Had there been a context of food, the Lord, instead of using the term 'priyah' (dear) or 'Isla, would have said, that these are Sattvika foods, or the tamasika ones etc.
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