What Is Sattvik Living? A Simple Philosophy for a Noisy World

We often hear the word “sattvik” in conversations around food — sattvik khana, meaning light, clean meals that calm the body. But sattvik living goes far beyond diet. It is a way of thinking, speaking, acting, and being. 

In Sanskrit, the word “सत्त्व” (sattva) means purity, clarity, and harmony. It is one of the three gunas (qualities) described in the Bhagavad Gita — the other two being rajas (activity, restlessness) and tamas (inertia, dullness). To live sattvik is to move toward inner light — gently, intentionally, without noise. 

Sattvik living is not a rigid lifestyle. It doesn’t demand renunciation or perfection. It simply asks you to pay attention. 

The Essence of Sattva 

To the food you eat. 
To the words you speak. 
To the thoughts you carry. 
To the energy you leave behind in a room. 

A sattvik person may or may not wear saffron robes or chant mantras. But they radiate calm. They act with compassion. They do not speak to dominate, but to uplift. They are rooted, not reactive. 

As the Gita says- 

“यत्तदग्रेऽमृतोपमं तत्सुखं सात्त्विकं स्मृतम्।”

That which is like nectar at first and in the end — such happiness is sattvik in nature. 
(Bhagavad Gita 18.37)

How to Live More Sattvik — In Daily Life 

You don’t have to change your life overnight. Begin small. 

Wake up with intention — Instead of grabbing your phone, sit quietly for a few moments. Remember a shloka or just say “धन्यवाद” (thank you). 

Eat with awareness — Choose foods that are fresh, seasonal, and light. Avoid what feels heavy — not just physically, but emotionally. 

Speak mindfully — Words carry energy. Sattvik speech is truthful, gentle, and timely. 

Declutter your space and mind — Too much information, too much stuff, too much noise — all lead to tamas. Silence is sattvik. 

Serve without ego — True sattva expresses itself through seva, not for recognition, but out of joy. 

It’s Not About Perfection 

You will have tamasik days. You will feel restless, agitated, unmotivated. That’s okay. Sattvik living is not about always being calm. It’s about returning to calm. 

The goal is not to escape the world, but to live in it with grace. 

Even in the middle of city traffic, deadlines, and daily chaos — you can pause, take a deep breath, and say-

“शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः।” 
Peace, peace, peace. 

That is sattvik.