Chapter 17 Verse 17
Śhraddhā Traya Vibhāg Yog
श्रद्धया परया तप्तं तपस्तत्ित्रविधं नरैः।अफलाकाङ्क्षिभिर्युक्तैः सात्त्विकं परिचक्षते।।17.17।।
śhraddhayā parayā taptaṁ tapas tat tri-vidhaṁ naraiḥ aphalākāṅkṣhibhir yuktaiḥ sāttvikaṁ parichakṣhate
Word Meanings
| śhraddhayā | with faith |
| parayā | transcendental |
| taptam | practiced |
| tapaḥ | austerity |
| tat | that |
| tri-vidham | three-fold |
| naraiḥ | by persons |
| aphala-ākāṅkṣhibhiḥ | without yearning for material rewards |
| yuktaiḥ | steadfast |
| sāttvikam | in the mode of goodness |
| parichakṣhate | are designated |
Translation
This threefold austerity, practiced by steadfast men, with the utmost faith, desiring no reward, is called Sattvic.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The verse says that true austerity (tapas) has three forms—of body, speech, and mind—and when people practice these steadily and with deep faith, it becomes sattvic, or pure. The key is doing the discipline without expecting any reward or praise.
When discipline is free from selfish aims, it calms the mind and cleanses the heart. Such practice removes ego-driven desires and helps a person act from clarity and compassion rather than from fear or gain.
This kind of purity makes daily actions steady and wise. Over time it leads to inner peace and a clearer sense of purpose beyond short-term results.
Life Application
- Choose small, steady disciplines (e.g., moderate eating, truthful speech, short daily meditation) and stick with them without counting rewards.
- Serve others or work sincerely without seeking praise, social approval, or material gain.
- When you feel restless, return to faith in the practice itself rather than chasing quick outcomes.
Reflection Question
Am I practicing self-discipline for inner growth, or to get recognition and results?