Chapter 17 Verse 5-6 | Krishnaverse

Word Meanings

aśhāstra-vihitam	not enjoined by the scriptures
ghoram	stern
tapyante	perform
ye	who
tapaḥ	austerities
janāḥ	people
dambha	hypocrisy
ahankāra	egotism
sanyuktāḥ	possessed of
kāma	desire
rāga	attachment
bala	force
anvitāḥ	impelled by
karṣhayantaḥ	torment
śharīra-stham	within the body
bhūta-grāmam	elements of the body
achetasaḥ	senseless
mām	me
cha	and
eva	even
antaḥ	within
śharīra-stham	dwelling in the body
tān	them
viddhi	know
āsura-niśhchayān	of demoniacal resolves

Translation

Those men who practice terrific austerities not prescribed by the scriptures, given to hypocrisy and egoism, driven by the force of lust and attachment. Know thou these to be of demonical resolves, senselessly torturing all the elements in the body and Me who dwell in the body.

Philosophical Significance

Core Meaning

This verse warns against harsh spiritual practices that are not guided by true wisdom or moral law. If austerities are done out of pride, hypocrisy, or strong desire, they are not real path-helping discipline but destructive behavior.

What matters more than outer show is inner attitude. Practices done to feed the ego or to impress others only harm the body and silence the inner life within us—the same life many traditions call the soul or divine presence.

True spiritual effort is humble, wise, and compassionate. Discipline should support health, kindness, and clarity, not punish the body or deepen attachment and selfish motives.

Life Application

Before starting any strict practice, ask: Am I doing this to grow or to prove something to others?
Choose balanced disciplines that protect your health and relationships rather than extremes that cause harm.
Cultivate humility and self-awareness; let service and inner peace be the guides for your spiritual choices.

Reflection Question

Are my spiritual actions coming from humility and care, or from pride and the need for approval?