Sattva - Sattvic Objects

Sattvic Objects

For an object or food to be sattvic, it must be uncontaminated and should not spread evil or disease in the world. On the contrary its presence must purify the surroundings. Thus when an individual consumes such a food, he must feel that he is eating pure food. The food should be healthy, nutritious and clean. It should also not weaken the power or equilibrium of mind. This idea disallows aphrodisiac or other drugs and intoxicants that can affect the mind in such a way. It also disallows food or objects obtained after killing or causing pain to a creature. This is because the object would then have source in an evil act. It also excludes stale and pungent-smelling food.

Some objects that are considered sattvic are:

• Flowers, fruits, and food that are allowed as offerings to God
• Neem tree
• The milk of a cow which has grown in good surroundings, is healthy and has been obtained after the calf of the cow has been fed well. In cases when the cow has been ill treated, it becomes sinful or evil to drink such milk (Note that the cow is sacred in Hinduism)
• Nature has always had a connotation with being sattvic. Because of this, Hindu philosophy does not encourage the eating of animals, or the destruction of nature and its habitats.

Sattva is a state of mind in which the mind is steady, calm and peaceful. A sattvic man or woman works with no attachment to the result.