Rethinking Satvik, Rajasik & Tamasik Food

In this practice

Key teachings

• Understanding the three Gunas: Satva (harmony), Rajas (dynamism), and Tamas (inertia)
• Critical analysis of traditional interpretations of gunas applied to food
• A modern, inclusive redefinition of Satvic, Rajasic, and Tamasic food
• The importance of adapting philosophical concepts to contemporary life

Ideal for

• Individuals interested in philosophy and cultural studies
• Yoga practitioners seeking deeper conceptual understanding beyond asana
• Anyone questioning traditional dietary advice
• Those open to reinterpreting ancient wisdom for modern relevance

Lesson

Instructions

When I was growing up, I would wonder why onions were not featured on days that were religious festivals and I would be told that on those days, we eat “Satvik” food, and obviously since I was that incredibly annoying kid who did not accept answers I did not understand, I asked why onion was not satvik when my school tells me it is incredibly healthy, and the answer was - “well, in those days, our ancestors used to consider it not fit for consumption, so we still honour that”.

But clearly, respect for culture only went as far as observing those rules for that one day and then enjoying onion sambar and onion rava masala day the next day.

And this is fine. I grew up generally appreciating the ability of Indians to be flexible about their faith especially as modernity hit us way faster than it did other cultures. For instance, some modern-day spiritual gurus and Ayurveda folks today have declared items like potatoes to be satvik while french fries are tamasik (some gurus consider french fries rajasik for some mysterious reason). And the potato didn't exist in India when the original ideas of satvik, rajasik, and tamasik evolved.

But one thing that somehow has not changed is that the categorization of foods is still biased towards the standard diet of a small group of people in North India - basically vegetarians from the privileged sections of society. One of my wife’s favourite meals is red rice, fish curry, fried fish, garlic chammanthi, cabbage thoran and dried clams (kalumakaaya). This is quintessential tamasik food. And also tremendously healthy (provided you don’t overeat). So, clearly, these categories are meaningless for everyone other than that small group of vegetarians.

So, in the great Indian tradition to adapting things as change happens, I would like to propose a simpler, more universal and inclusive definition of Satvik, Rajasik and Tamasik.

You are of course welcome to ignore it and also argue with great vehemence in the comments section

Steps

• Philosophical introspection and self-reflection
• Critical thinking and questioning established norms
• Conceptual dietary awareness aligned with personal well-being

Benefits

• Deepens understanding of fundamental yogic and Hindu philosophical concepts (Gunas)
• Encourages a more inclusive and less dogmatic approach to diet and lifestyle
• Promotes critical assessment of cultural traditions in a modern context
• Fosters intellectual curiosity and open-mindedness