Bhagavad Gita Chapter 17 Verse 18 Meaning

The austerity that is practiced with the aim of gaining good reception, honor, and worship, and with hypocrisy, is said to be Rajasic, unstable, and transient.

BG 17.18

सत्कारमानपूजार्थं तपो दम्भेन चैव यत्।क्रियते तदिह प्रोक्तं राजसं चलमध्रुवम्

satkāra-māna-pūjārthaṁ tapo dambhena chaiva yat kriyate tad iha proktaṁ rājasaṁ chalam adhruvam

Meaning in English

The austerity that is practiced with the aim of gaining good reception, honor, and worship, and with hypocrisy, is said to be Rajasic, unstable, and transient.

हिंदी अर्थ (Hindi Meaning)

जो तप सत्कार, मान और पूजाके लिये तथा दिखानेके भावसे किया जाता है, वह इस लोकमें अनिश्चित और नाशवान् फल देनेवाला तप राजस कहा गया है।

Explanation & Life Application

This verse from Chapter 17 of the Bhagavad Gita offers profound wisdom for modern life. As part of The Yoga of Threefold Faith (Sraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga), it teaches about Faith and Food.

The essence of this teaching encourages us to focus on our actions and duties rather than anxiety about outcomes. In today's fast-paced world, this timeless wisdom offers a path to inner peace.

— Explained by the Nitya Team

When to Apply This Verse

  • When feeling anxious about results at work or exams
  • Before starting a new project or challenge
  • When perfectionism causes stress

Related Verses

← Back to Chapter 17: The Yoga of Threefold Faith

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