Chapter 17 · Verse 18 of 28
The Yoga of the Division of Three Types of Faith
श्रद्धात्रयविभागयोग
Meaning
Supreme God Krishna spoke
Austerity pursued for the sake of ostentation, seeking admiration, recognition, or aiming to attract veneration, is classified as Passional (Rājasic) austerity. Such austerities yield only temporary results. (17:18)
Sanskrit
श्रीभगवान् उवाच
सत्कारमानपूजार्थं तपो दम्भेन चैव यत् ।
क्रियते तदिह प्रोक्तं राजसं चलमध्रुवम्॥
Word-by-word
सत्कार-मान-पूजा-अर्थम् तपः, दम्भेन च एव, यत्क्रि
यते, तत् इह प्रोक्तम् राजसम्, चलम्, अ-ध्रुवम्।
Commentary
Austerities that are pursued primarily for the sake of worldly honor and prestige may indeed grant temporary recognition and status, but they do not lead to lasting spiritual or other-worldly benefits. In the pursuit of true spiritual growth, it is essential to perform austerities with a genuine and selfless intent, rather than seeking external recognition or material rewards.