Page:A Short History of Aryan Medical Science.djvu/76

68 such as increases their life, their power, and their strength, and keeps them happy, contented, and free from sickness. It is pleasing to the palate, nourishing, substantial, and congenial to the body. The food that is coveted by those of the (quality of passion) is either very bitter, sour, salt, hot, pungent, astringent, or very heating, and giveth nothing but pain and misery. And the delight of those in whom the (quality of darkness) prevaileth, is such as was dressed the day before and is out of season ; has lost its flavour and has gone putrid ; the leavings of others and all things that are impure" (Bhagvat Gita, vii. 8-10). Those who desire to have the quality of goodness should take the food used by the "Satvikas" and not others. When the meal is over, the mouth is scrupulously cleaned, both inside and out, by water, so also the hands. Salt may be used to remove the greasiness. Any particles of food sticking between the teeth should be picked out. The eyes should be gently stroked with the wet hands, as this has the effect of improving the vision. Then a prayer is offered to Agastya, Agni, and Vadavanala (the Submarine Fire which is supposed to devour the waters of the ocean) to the following effect :