Men of energy, the ‘passionate,’ desire such food (Rajasasya ishtaah) that have strong flavour and dense taste. Bitter, sour, saltish, very hot, pungent, harsh, burning tastes are to the liking of all vigorous men, restlessly striving to fulfil their uncontrolled passions and desires (Rajasic).

Such a diet, no doubt, creates in an individual brilliant energies, but in their wildness, they are, to a degree, un-controllable; and therefore, in their final reactions they lead the eater towards a life productive of ‘PAIN, GRIEF AND DISEASE.’

A student of these discussions in the Geeta is NOT justified, if he considers that, by a control of diet the thought-discipline in himself will also be brought about. From these stanzas, we have to understand that, when the texture of thought improves, the individual finds himself changing his tastes: even his choice of food which would give him full satisfaction in totally revolutionised.

WHAT TYPE OF FOOD WOULD MEN OF DARKNESS (TAMAS) CHOOSE?

Foods that are katu-amla-lavana-atyusna-tiksna-ruksa-vidahinah, bitter, sour, salty, very hot (-‘very’ is to be connected with all, viz bitter etc.; that is very bitter, very sour, and so on-), pungent, dry [Without fat.] and burning; and duhkha-soka-amaya-pradah, which produce pain, sorrow and disease; [Pain, immediate suffering; sorrow, grief arising from not having that desired food.] are rajasasyaistah, dear to one having rajas.