Bhagavad Gita · Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga — The Three Kinds of Faith

Chapter 17, Verse 19

"Bhagavad Gita 17.19" — meaning and explanation.

Meaning

17.19 That austerity which is practised out of a foolish notion, with self-torture, or for the purpose of destroying another, is declared to be Tamasic.

।।17.19।। जो तप मूढ़तापूर्वक स्वयं को पीड़ित करते हुए अथवा अन्य लोगों के नाश के लिए किया जाता है, वह तप तामस कहा गया है।।

Explanation

17.19 मूढग्राहेण out of a foolish notion? आत्मनः of the self? यत् which? पीडया with torture? क्रियते is practised? तपः austerity? परस्य of another? उत्सादनार्थम् for the purpose of destroying? वा or? तत् that? तामसम् Tamasic? उदाहृतम् is declared.Commentary Some burn sulphur in a pot and place it on their head. Some thrust hooks of iron into their flesh. Some hang themselves with their head downwards over fire and swallow smoke. Some stand in cold water immersed up to the neck. Some torture the body by lighting fires on the four sides (with the sun as the fifth fire -- this is known as the Panchagni Tapas). Some sit in the centre of a circle of fire. Such austerities are Tamasic. These will not help one to attain knowledge of the Self.

Life Lesson

Study Bhagavad Gita 17.19 slowly, then express its central teaching through one thoughtful action in daily life.

Context

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 17, verse 19, from Krishna's dialogue with Arjuna at Kurukshetra.

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